Celebrating Special Interests in Learners with Autism

Not Obsessions, but Passion and Focus

In the world of neurodiversity, the term “special interest” often surfaces when we talk about autistic individuals or those with ADHD. Too often, though, these deep, passionate interests are misunderstood and labelled as “fixations” or “obsessions.”

But what if we looked at them differently?

What if we celebrated them as unique forms of passion, focus, and purpose?

What Are Special Interests?

Special interests are topics or activities that someone feels deeply drawn to, subjects they can spend hours exploring, learning about, and engaging in. For some, it could be trains, dinosaurs, or animation; for others, it might be astronomy, coding, or creative writing.

Unlike fleeting hobbies, these interests often bring joy, calm, and motivation. They provide a sense of predictability in a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, while also serving as powerful tools for learning and connection.

The Difference Between “Obsession” and “Passion”

The word “obsession” carries a negative tone as it suggests being stuck or unable to let go.But when we take a closer look, many “obsessions” are actually expressions of intense curiosity and commitment to mastery. Think about famous innovators, scientists, or artists. Einstein had a relentless curiosity about physics. Beethoven lived and breathed music. Pixar animators spend years perfecting small details of a single scene. We don’t call them obsessed, we call them passionate.

For neurodivergent individuals, their depth of focus is not a flaw; it’s a different way of engaging with the world.

Why Special Interests Deserve Celebration

Rather than being a distraction from 'real' learning, special interests can often be a very effective pathway to it. Because these topics are naturally reinforcing and bring a sense of joy and calm, they provide a unique opportunity to build complex skills in a way that feels meaningful to the learner. Here is why these deep passions are such a vital asset in a child’s developmental journey.

Four key reasons why special interests should be embraced and celebrated.

They nurture learning and skill development

Special interests act as a natural classroom. Children who love trains may develop early geography and math skills. Teens fascinated by digital art may build strong visual–spatial and design abilities.

They support emotional well-being

Engaging in special interests can reduce anxiety, promote self-regulation, and create moments of flow and calm where a learner feels calm, centered, and in control of their environment.

They open doors for connection

Special interests can become social bridges, a shared language to communicate, make friends, or even inspire career paths.

They highlight individual strengths

When we encourage these interests, we affirm that every child (and adult) has unique talents worth celebrating.

Turning Passion into Purpose

Instead of trying to limit or “redirect” special interests in learners with autism, we can embrace and expand them by turning passion into powerful learning opportunities. You can use your child’s special interests to help them build new skills in fun, meaningful, and engaging ways. For example:

• Speech and language skills: If your child loves animals, you could read animal encyclopaedias together, describe different habitats, or role-play as zookeepers. These activities encourage expressive language, new vocabulary, and meaningful back-and-forth conversations.

• Fine motor skills: For a child fascinated by vehicles, you could draw different types of cars, assemble paper models of buses or airplanes, or create a mini car wash using sponges and toy cars. Each activity strengthens hand control, coordination, and planning abilities.

• Flexible thinking and problem-solving skills: If your child is interested in cooking shows or pretend play, try creating your own “cooking challenge” at home using a few mystery ingredients, or build an obstacle course inspired by their favourite game or superhero. These activities encourage flexibility, creativity, and adaptability when plans or outcomes change.

• Social connections and communication skills: Support your child to join or start interest-based groups such as a science discovery club, art jam session, coding camp, or gardening workshop. Shared interests help children connect naturally, practise turn-taking, asking questions, and showing curiosity about others’ ideas.

Embrace the passion in learners with autism

By weaving your child’s passions into everyday learning, you’re not only building essential skills, you’re also nurturing confidence, joy, and a genuine love for discovery.

A Shift in Perspective

When we move from seeing “obsession” to recognizing “focus,” we honour individuality.When we celebrate special interests, we are not merely indulging a hobby, we are acknowledging a vital part of someone’s identity and joy.

So, the next time you see a child excitedly talking about their favourite topic for the hundredth time, pause and listen. You might just be witnessing the beginnings of a lifelong passion, or even a future expert in the making.

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Written by: Leong Ling Hui, (QBA, Program Supervisor)

Edited by: Raja Nishah