The 411 on Special Interests

Written By Lia Douglas

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.

Lia Douglas

Lia Douglas is a dedicated speech-language pathologist with 29 years of experience, specializing in neurodivergent-affirming speech therapy practices. Over five years ago, she founded Beach Speech Pediatric Therapy in Gulf Shores, AL, where she provides compassionate, individualized care to children and their families. Lia is deeply passionate about fostering inclusivity and equipping families with positive, affirming strategies to support their children’s unique strengths and communication needs. Her commitment to creating supportive environments where every child can thrive has made her a trusted advocate and resource in the community.

Previous

What is AAC and does my child need it?
Next

Tips for seeking NDaffirming services for your child