Special Interests
under construction!!
The Neo-criterion of "Special Interests" mirrors the DSM diagnostic criterion B.3. This criterion describes the phenomenon of special interests, but also of hyperfixations. Special interests are topics, hobbies, phenomena, goals, or otherwise, that to an individual, mean everything. It may be otherwise described as a passion, obsession, or fascination, with a particular (and often-times hyperspecific!) topic. Special interests are made unique by their longevity and their intensity. In fact, most of the time the special interest is so intense and consuming that it can be the lens through which an individual perceives or moves about the world. For example, someone with a special interest in science might view the world through that lens by approaching everything with extreme empiricism. It's very common for special interests to have to do with science, music, or a specific favorite media. Science attracts many autistic people for several reasons. Many autistic people find themselves fascinated by the world at at young age and science opens up a whole new world underneath their feet of fascination to explore. Not to mention it's procedure, reliability, and depth. Science can seem like a puzzle that never stops expanding. Pretty exciting. Music is incredibly common because of a similar fascination. Scientific fascination often has to do with the immensity of the natural world. Speaking from my own experience, it's the sheer brilliant magnitude and complexity of the world we live in that motivates me to pursure science. It's an intensity of emotion not dissimilar at all from what music and art can evoke. Special interests always form around what captivates the individual. And that has to do with the sensuality of it. A special interest brings ecstacy, joy. That pure bliss and curiosity can encompass one's central will and motivation. The ability engage with one's special interest is crucial for one's mental health.