The Staying Power of Special Interests

While I think there is a lot of truth to this meme, I think it oversimplifies the whole special interest thing.

I am autistic and ADHD.

I have special interests that I have been nurturing and enjoying since early childhood without pause.

I began studying mythology before kindergarten. As an adult in my forties, I am deepening my understanding of the archetypal themes and their real life applications in psychology and counseling.

I have special interests brought on by necessity. In the three years that I cared for my cat with chronic renal failure, I became an arm chair expert on CRF in cats, and how to keep them alive with quality of life. Now that my cat has passed away, I no longer have the drive to pursue this topic.

I have special interests that wax and wane over time. For months I would be consumed by my passionate interest until one morning I wake up indifferent. Years may pass before interest is reignited. If it’s reignited.

I have had special interests that were all consuming for years, only to dry up and never return.

I don’t think it’s accurate to pigeonhole all ADHD auties into the same experience of special interests though. I imagine this too is a spectrum.

And yes, I know the meme was intended to be funny. It just got me thinking, and I figured I would share those thoughts and see what you all think about your experience of special interests. Image credit to @deltaryz on Twitter