Unique Special Interests in Autistic Girls: Breaking Stereotypes

 When people hear of special interests in autism, they picture trains, numbers, or technology—those special interests traditionally linked to autistic boys. Autistic girls create their own special interests that break those stereotypes and tend to be more atypical.


Why Are Special Interests Special to Autistic Girls?


Autistic females will do have very focused, very profound interests but will tend to target more traditionally social or creative areas. This will lead their autistic symptoms at times to become camouflaged and therefore lead to underdiagnosis.


Shared Special Interest of Autistic Girls


1. Animals and mythological animals – Some autistic girls have a very deep attachment to a favorite animal (e.g., wolves, ocean creatures, horses), and mythological animal like dragons and unicorns.



2. Psychology and Human Behavior – They are interested in emotions, personalities or even diagnosing characters in books.



3. Fantasy Worlds and Narrative – Preoccupation with books, television shows, or historical events with extensive knowledge of plot and characters.



4. Creative Arts – Strong motivation to draw, to write, to play music, or to do arts and crafts with perfectionism.



5. Aesthetics and Fashion – An enthusiastic appreciation of a specific style, harmony of colors, or fashion trend over time.



6. Nature and Environmentalism – Active concern with plant life, ecosystem, or climatic activism.



7. Medical and Anatomical Consciousness – They find themselves extremely interested in medicine and anatomy or even niche subjects like genetic disorders.




Why Are These Interests Significant?


Recognizing and confirming such special interests can make autistic girls feel heard and accepted. As their interests may not fit with conventional stereotypes of autism, bringing it to people's attention is essential to higher understanding and diagnosis of autism in girls.


Were you or anyone you knew affiliated with any of those special interests? Let us hear about it in comments!

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