When people talk about autism, one of the traits that often gets mentioned is “special interests.” These are deep, focused passions that bring joy, comfort, and sometimes even a sense of identity to many autistic people. But here’s an important reminder: not every autistic or neurodivergent person has a special interest and that’s completely okay.
Not Everyone Experiences Special Interests the Same Way
Special interests can look very different from person to person. Some people find a single interest that they stay with for years, while others move from one passion to another, each with varying intensity. For some of us, interests ebb and flow depending on energy, mental health, or life circumstances.
Personally, I’ve felt a bit of shame at times for not having a lifelong special interest. My interests tend to fluctuate. I’ll dive in deeply for a while, then drop them for months or even years. Sometimes they come back, sometimes they don’t. And that’s okay.
Special interests don’t have to fit a stereotype. They don’t need to be encyclopaedic knowledge about trains, astronomy, or computer coding. They might be quieter, more subtle, or even people-focused. I’ve always loved exploring fashion, observing social dynamics, and trying to understand people. After a social gathering, I often enjoy a little “debrief”, analysing what happened, what I noticed, and how people interacted. That process, that curiosity, is part of how my brain finds joy and meaning.
Burnout and the Disappearing Interest
One thing I’ve noticed is how my interests often fade during burnout. When I’m exhausted physically, emotionally, or mentally my brain just doesn’t have space for passion. I go into survival mode, using all my spoons to get through the day. It’s hard, because engaging in the things I love usually helps me to feel better. It’s a frustrating cycle: the very activities that support my wellbeing are often the first to disappear when I’m burnt out.
This is a common experience among autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) people. Energy and focus can fluctuate dramatically. You might go through periods of intense fascination followed by months of disinterest. That doesn’t make your interests less valid, it’s simply part of how a neurodivergent brain works.
You Are More Than Your Interests
Special interests can be a wonderful part of life. They bring structure and joy. They can help us connect with others, express ourselves, and make sense of the world. But they are not the defining feature of autism or ADHD.
You are still autistic or otherwise neurodivergent even if your interests fade, shift, or look different from what others describe. You are not “less neurodivergent” for not having a single, lifelong passion. You are still you.
So, if you’ve ever questioned yourself, please know: your neurodivergence is valid, exactly as it is. Your interests are just one part of a beautifully complex whole and you deserve acceptance, curiosity, and kindness no matter where your energy or focus happens to be.