The 411 on Special Interests

Special interests in autistic children may look like a favorite show or character they like to watch over and over. It may be that one type of toy they only play with. Special interests can lead to chosen career paths and increased knowledge on a subject matter. Special interests can change over time or as a child grows and develops. I see children in my clinic who have special interests in numbers, cars, trains, dinosaurs, plants, rockets, drawing…..special interests should not be discouraged or frowned upon. They can help regulate, provide comfort and stress relief.