Understanding special interests and hyperfixations
In the neurodiverse community, there is a lot of robust discourse about the differences between special interests and hyperfixations. These terms both refer to a deep, often obsessive interest in a particular topic. Some people even use the terms interchangeably! However, today we’re going to delve into the nuances of both, and what makes them different from the other.
Special interests
A special interest is an intense fascination with a particular subject. These can be broad categories, like gardening, or something highly specific, such as England’s women’s cricket team from 2010 to present (an actual example provided by a friend). These interests tend to be very long-lived, lasting from a few years to an entire lifetime.
Special interests are associated with autism spectrum disorder and are considered to be one of the most common visible symptoms. In fact, between 75 and 95% of people on the spectrum have at least one (Laber-Warren, 2021). The common depiction is of a young white man obsessed with either trains or math. While this might be the case for some autistic people, the reality of special interests is far more diverse. Topics can range from make-up to roller coaster disasters to horror films, and generally don’t conform to gender roles. Also, most autistic people have more than one special interest at a time - the average number of special interests is nine (Nowell et al., 2021).
Photo by Thimo Pedersen on Unsplash.
I, personally, have had Pokémon as a special interest since the year 2000. The intensity of my obsession peaks and wanes over time. Even at its least intense, it’s always something that I enjoy talking about and can fall back on when I need comfort or distraction. When I’m in full-blown obsession, I play the games for hours each day, talk my partner’s ear off about my plans for themed teams of Pokémon and research the most viable competitive builds. This has changed over time - when I was younger, I was more focused on playing with figurines and watching the anime. Regardless, Pokémon has been a constant in my life, no matter how my interest manifests at a given point in time.
Special interests are often represented as a negative thing, because they can impact a person’s ability to engage with everyday life and social situations. They may be considered an avoidance strategy, and described with words like ‘inflexible’, ‘obsessive’ and ‘repetitive’ (Laber-Warren, 2021). Young people on the spectrum are often discouraged from pursuing their special interests out of concern that they won’t engage with anything else. One time in Grade 3 I finished my project on cats in Ancient Egypt early, and asked if I could do another project so that I could research mice in Ancient Egypt. I was told I could only do another project if it wasn’t about animals… so I didn’t do one.
Although some neurotypical people don’t understand special interests, they are deeply important to autistic people. Special interests are lifelong passions which are a motivating force for autistic people, and may even create employment opportunities (Laber-Warren, 2021). Special interests can be used to engage autistic people in things they may otherwise be reluctant to try. Support for autistic children might involve linking a school assignment to a special interest, or using that interest to motivate them (I was once bribed to do a public speaking assignment with the promise of a toy dragon, for example). Engaging with special interests can also build a person’s self-confidence, communication skills, and sense of wellbeing and satisfaction (Laber-Warren, 2021). Special interests can be a force for good!
Hyperfixations
A hyperfixation is an intense fascination with a particular subject which tends to last anywhere from a few days to a few months at a time. While hyperfixations are generally associated with ADHD, you don’t have to have it to experience hyperfixations (Simons, 2021). Stereotypically, people think of ADHD as an inability to focus, which makes hyperfixations seem contradictory. However, it’s far more helpful to think of ADHD as difficulty with regulating attention - people with ADHD may swing from hyperfocus mode to completely disengaged (Veazey, 2021).
Much like special interests, hyperfixations may appear to take over the life of an individual. (They do tend to be shorter-lived, though.) When someone is deeply hyperfixated, they might forget to complete self-care tasks like eating or going to the bathroom in favour of pursuing their interest (Penwarden, 2023).
Hyperfixations cover a similar range of topics to special interests, but may also extend to particular projects. For example, adults with ADHD may become hyperfixated on a home DIY project or planning an event. They are also likely to relate to a piece of media that a person is consuming at the time. My primary hyperfixations at the moment are The Last of Us (2023), which I’ve been watching weekly, and a rabbit-themed decoupage project. Generally, a hyperfixation activity is something engaging that rewards the person’s focus, thus reinforcing that behaviour (Veazey, 2021).
Hyperfixations can also happen in cycles, where a person largely forgets about the particular interest for a few years, then it comes surging back with a vengeance for another short period (Simons, 2021). Something might happen to renew the spark, like a new season or game being released, or it might be entirely unprompted.
No matter how it manifests, hyperfixations can be a source of comfort for someone with ADHD. It can be a distraction from other worries and provide a sense of accomplishment (Penwarden, 2023). However, it’s important to engage in hyperfixations without neglecting necessary tasks.
Spot the difference
The most obvious differences between special interests and hyperfixations are the duration and the disability each is associated with. While special interests are long-lasting and specific to people on the spectrum, hyperfixations are shorter-lived and associated with ADHD, though not exclusively. However, hyperfixations aren’t just shorter special interests! A hyperfixation is an effective way for people with ADHD to generate dopamine, a chemical in the brain which occurs in lower levels when you have ADHD. Chasing a new skill or topic is rewarding! However, once the task is ‘complete’, the person moves on to another hyperfixation. Special interests are tied to the patterns and routines that autistic people often crave, and provide a safe ‘base’ from which to engage with the world from.
People with both autism and ADHD - often referred to as AuDHD - like myself can experience both at the same time. They serve different purposes. If I’ve had a tough day at work, I might come home and engage in a comforting special interest, like cuddling my Squishmallows, to self-soothe. If I’ve had a boring day, I’ll pursue a hyperfixation, like starting a new craft project! For me personally, I’d describe the difference as slipping into a warm, relaxing bubble bath in the evening versus a quick, hot shower in the morning to wake you up.
Special interests and hyperfixations can actually be used as tools to help with self-regulation, and shouldn’t be viewed as a negative symptom. That being said, either one can be harmful when a person overindulges and doesn’t care for themselves as a result. Whether you’re someone who experiences either of these, or someone who cares for people with ADHD or ASD, it’s important to find a balance - and that will look different for everyone.
References
Laber-Warren, E. (2021, May 12). The benefits of special interests in autism. Spectrum. https://www.spectrumnews.org/features/deep-dive/the-benefits-of-special-interests-in-autism/
Nowell, K. P., Bernardin, C. J., Brown, C., & Kanne, S. (2021). Characterization of Special Interests in Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Brief Review and Pilot Study Using the Special Interests Survey. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51, 2711-2724. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10803-020-04743-6
Simons, A. (2021, May 28). The Neurotypical’s Guide to Being Neurodivergent. EBHS Bear Hub. https://ebhsbearhub.org/4400/showcase/the-neurotypicals-guide-to-being-neurodivergent/
Veazey, K. (2021, February 19). What You Need to Know About Hyperfixation and ADHD. The Mighty. https://themighty.com/topic/adhd/what-to-know-adhd-hyperfixation/
Penwarden, C. (2023, February 18). Hyperfixation: Explaining the Power of Obsessive Focus. Behaveo. https://behaveo.com/hyperfixation/
