Special Interest
An intense, focused passion for a specific subject, often a hallmark of autism.
Andy says:
It's like having a favorite hobby that you love so much you could talk about it for hours and become a mini-expert on it. It’s a huge source of joy and knowledge!
Detailed Explanation
A special interest, often abbreviated as 'SpIn' (pronounced 'spin'), is a deep and highly focused interest in a particular topic. These interests are a key part of the [[autism]] experience and can be a great source of learning, skill-building, and pleasure. They differ from typical hobbies in their intensity and the depth of knowledge the individual acquires.
Community Context
Within the autistic community, special interests are celebrated as a strength. They can lead to careers, provide comfort, and are a way to connect with others who share the same passion. The term is preferred over the more pathologizing 'restricted' or 'fixated' interests.