Access Points: Understanding Special Interests Through Autistic Narratives

Background: Although autistic people have shared how important their interests can be, sometimes using the phrase "special interests," autistic interests are commonly pathologized. Research has begun to recognize the benefits of special interests for autistic people. These benefits are often investigated primarily in childhood and in relation to neuronormative aims. In addition, existing research leaves the definition of "special interests" unquestioned. This study adds to the literature by examining not only what autistic adults mean by "special interests," but how they explain why these interests matter.