#special interest

[kaputtsolvi]

What I feel people frequently forget about autistic special interests is that they aren't always information based. They may simply be visual or mental

Someone may have a special interest in a show, but instead of that meaning that they will talk about that show often, it may mean they watch that show extremely frequently.

Special interests are ways of regulating, not simply encyclopedias we have in our heads. Sometimes it's watching something frequently. Maybe only listening to one genre of music, maybe it's a collection, maybe it's an action. I'm tired of it only being seen as autistic people's personal encyclopedias

[carrionhearted]

Sorry for infodumping about my special interest out of nowhere, you said a keyword and it activated my unskippable dialogue

[auxins-insanities]

me when the fixation is hyper and the interest is special

[aw-tysm]

Some autistics have an odd view on what a special interest within autism actually is, and it's a very damaging take.

Special interests within autism can cause clinically significant impairments in one's life.

Special interests can borderline obsession and addiction and compulsion. They can even run inline with addiction, obsession, and compulsion.

Special interests aren't always knowing everything about it, researching it, and infodumping, or engaging in it in multiple ways.

Sometimes autistics don't know much about them, some will not research them, some autistics won't infodump about them. Some autistics only every engage in their interest in a very restricted and fixated way, a very limited way.

I honestly think some autistics get special interests and hobbies mixed up. You are allowed to have hobbies you are very passionate about, love to talk about, and have a vast knowledge on them. There are many allistics in this world who have hobbies just like that and with such an intensity.

Special interests for autistics aren't always cute and quirky and fun. They can be damaging and impairing, and cause stress/anxiety. They can be inappropriate, dangerous, or bad.

[memoriesofthepark]

Fairy Parachutes 》 Marasmiellus candidus

Found these little cuties under one of the pecan trees at my parents house.

Southeast Texas, 14 July 2025

[deanieweanie]

I chose to believe that Duke Thomas, with the utmost care, likes to hide liiiittle tiny bat-themed objects around the manor. Like a hidden mickey situation. Tiny bat symbol at the corner of a painting, taxidermy bat mixed in with a shelf of other Knick knacks, a statuette on the fireplace that looks just a little bit like the cowl at certain angles. Because hey, it’s Funny.

It takes Bruce a while to notice and he’s naturally pissed (that it took him so long, but also) that this could blow their entire operation.

Which means, naturally, that Duke will not stop, but will instead have to get more creative.

Cut to a month after Bruce has told Duke in no uncertain terms to “knock it off” where he gets cozy in bed, about to sleep for the first time in three days, when he realizes that Duke has replaced his entire bedframe. It’s an almost exact replica, almost, but carved into the intricate design, small enough to miss, is a bat symbol tucked amongst the leaves and foliage and what have you.

Cut to Bruce ransacking the manor, uncovering little bat symbols all over the damn place. Under rugs, behind paintings, imperceptible unless you are really looking.

Cut once more to Duke, half giggling half screaming, being chased from rooftop to rooftop by a very angry Batman.

[itsaspectrumcomic]

Behold, my new favourite item