Special Interests
I’ve read research that claims 75%-95% of autistic people have special interests. Special interests are intense, and can cause big feelings for autistic children.
Ellis’s first special interest was Marshall from Paw Patrol. She doesn’t love the tv show or any of the other characters, but she loves all Marshall merchandise and always keeps her Marshall lovey in her bed.
The next, and most intense, is dressing up. After Halloween of 2021 (which HAD to be Marshall), costumes and dance leotards became a huge focus for Ellis. To this day, she will strip her day clothes and pajamas to trade them for a costume.
The most recent special interest is rocks. Ellis spends her time outside searching our driveway for the most beautiful rocks to add to her collection. She’s a self proclaimed rock expert. As soon as she brings them inside, she has to wash & shine them. They stay in a glass jar now because her pockets are overflowing.
I’ve seen teachers use special interests to play a part in reward systems for autistic students, and now that I’ve been on both sides- it feels unfair to use that strategy. Special interests go beyond a genuine love for something, they can completely take over a person. It feels so unfair to use that against a child who cannot help it.
Do you know anyone with special interests?
