Do NTs have special interests?

[hiraeth]

Something I've been thinking about for a while, because I use the term "special interest" when I'm talking to (presumably) NTs who have no idea about my autism and every so often, I'll be having a conversation with someone where the other person is describing a certain kind of relationship with their interest which sounds like a special interest in the way that I experience it too. But not everyone who has that experience is autistic, of course.

And then I came across a debate elsewhere saying that only autistic people are allowed to used the term "special interest", which seems a bit silly to me. If someone has an interest and it is special to them or the most special one then it's a special interest, no? "Special interest" feels way more appropriate as a descriptor than "obsession", and it most certainly isn't just "a normal interest". Maybe passion? But that's not quite it either.

 

[Judge]

I don't think it's having a special interest, passion or obsession or their semantics that specifically defines anyone neurologically. However I believe what defines us often to our detriment, is our depth and intensity we are so prone to project to others.

Whether we are conveying such interests or obsessions to a fellow Aspie or NT may not matter. Our reality is that the other person may be intellectually overwhelmed, bored or even intimidated when someone like us buries them in information they may not know a whole lot about, or even want to know about. It's just another communication dynamic that we don't process well and that all too easily, ends badly.

In my own case, it's just too easy for me to flood you with stuff you don't want to know. All I can do is to attempt to censor myself and limit what I elaborate about. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.

 

[clg114]

I don't think it's having a special interest, passion or obsession or their semantics that specifically defines anyone neurologically. However I believe what defines us often to our detriment, is our depth and intensity we are so prone to project to others.

Whether we are conveying such interests or obsessions to a fellow Aspie or NT may not matter. Our reality is that the other person may be intellectually overwhelmed, bored or even intimidated when someone like us buries them in information they may not know a whole lot about, or even want to know about. It's just another communication dynamic that we don't process well and that all too easily, ends badly.

In my own case, it's just too easy for me to flood you with stuff you don't want to know. All I can do is to attempt to censor myself and limit what I elaborate about. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.

I know the feeling. When I finish a job, customers will ask me "What did you do to fix it?" or "What was wrong with it?". In the old days I would explain it until I noticed that they were uncomfortable or bored. These days I just tell them something short and sweet that does not explain anything. They almost always seem satisfied with that.

 

[Ste11aeres]

I don't think it's having a special interest, passion or obsession or their semantics that specifically defines anyone neurologically. However I believe what defines us often to our detriment, is our depth and intensity we are so prone to project to others.

Whether we are conveying such interests or obsessions to a fellow Aspie or NT may not matter. Our reality is that the other person may be intellectually overwhelmed, bored or even intimidated when someone like us buries them in information they may not know a whole lot about, or even want to know about. It's just another communication dynamic that we don't process well and that all too easily, ends badly.

In my own case, it's just too easy for me to flood you with stuff you don't want to know. All I can do is to attempt to censor myself and limit what I elaborate about. Sometimes it works, and sometimes it doesn't.

It should also be noted that someone (whether NT or Aspie) who already is interested in that thing, would likely be interested in hearing that "flood of stuff". But in that case, it might not be a one-sided flood-more likely it would turn into a discussion.

 

[4gottenLoreKali]

Everyone has a couple special interests more or less. It's not a trait that is exclusive to autistics by any means. However with neurotypicals I would say that their interests typically are more 'common' or 'mainstream ones', and they approach them in ways that are more 'socially acceptable' (For example: obscene 18th century philosophers versus football, or in the middle of class versus on the weekend / after 5PM during the week).

Furthermore I think they are more easily able to segregate the times in which they focus on them to be separate from when they fulfill their responsibilities uninterrupted. I say this because I do the exact opposite, and I'm looking to break free of it so I can be more productive.

 

[On the Inside]

I think there might be a social aspect to NT's special interests, too. I would engage in my special interests whether or not anyone else was interested in them, and I would most likely prefer to engage in them alone, though I'm not entirely averse to company. Whereas, normies would probably prefer company while engaged in their interest, though not necessarily.

I'm glad I don't golf, it would be weird to golf by yourself all the time.

 

[Crossbreed]

I like the term, "normies."

 

[RidingDutchman]

A personal opinion of mine is that a lot of NT's have other people as a special interest. They seem almost obsessed with other peoples opinions, feelings and whatever and want to talk about other people non-stop. It almost seems like an obsession, but maybe I'm interpreting things wrong

 

[clg114]

A personal opinion of mine is that a lot of NT's have other people as a special interest. They seem almost obsessed with other peoples opinions, feelings and whatever and want to talk about other people non-stop. It almost seems like an obsession, but maybe I'm interpreting things wrong

That is the way it is when you have socially driven priorities. It is kind of hard to imagine, isn't it?

 

[On the Inside]

I think I have always had other people as a special interest, but it has been in a more anthropological way, observing and trying to figure out behaviors, beliefs and ways of being that seemed at odds with my own.

This resulted in a broad, stereotypical view of other people, largely because I didn't talk to them or ask questions very much, so my observations lacked any confirmation from the subjects of observation. I have since tried to limit this habit, as it felt as if this stereotyping of people was possibly inaccurate and possibly wrong, especially in terms of how people think, behaviors are pretty easy to predict.

 

[Progster]

Yes, they do. My sister is very, very obsessive about dogs, and a friend from school with cats. My dad and partner have some too, and they are less mainstream. My partner has some rather obscure obsessions, which include Wilhelm Reich and the latest one is fungii and mushrooms.

 

[Judge]

My NT cousin. Most of her life revolves around her two adorable dogs.