Losing Passion in Special Interests as an Autistic Individual

Individuals with Autism often have intense focus on specific interests or hobbies.

These special interests can provide autistic individuals with deep joy, comfort, and a sense of identity. However, there are times when they may experience a sudden or gradual loss of interest in a passion that once consumed them. This shift can be perplexing and distressing, as it may stem from various factors such as burnout, external pressures, or changes in mental health. Understanding the reasons behind this loss of passion is crucial for supporting autistic individuals as they navigate these challenges and seek new sources of fulfilment.

Understanding the Shift

Special interests in autistic individuals can naturally fluctuate. A variety of factors might influence this, such as burnout, mental health challenges, or life changes. Autistic burnout, a state of intense physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion, is especially common and can significantly affect engagement with special interests (Raymaker et al., 2020). During burnout, even once-beloved activities may feel overwhelming. Losing interest does not mean something is wrong, but rather it is a common experience among autistic individuals.

Furthermore, specific interests can become monotonous or stagnant with time. This occurs when a person has learnt all they can or believes they have reached a plateau. According to studies, autistic people frequently have deep, specialised interests in particular disciplines, and when these areas no longer give new challenges, they may lose interest (Grove et al., 2018). As with everyone, variation and new challenges are vital for maintaining motivation and interest.

Embracing the Change

If you are an autistic individual facing a loss of passion, it’s important to practise self-compassion. Taking breaks and allowing yourself the time to rest can alleviate stress. Self-compassion can prevent feelings of guilt for not engaging in the special interest and allows space for emotional recovery (Neff, 2011). Pushing too hard to maintain enthusiasm might worsen the problem. By permitting yourself to step away, you may return to your interest with renewed energy and enthusiasm after some time.

Reflecting on why your passion has faded might also be beneficial. Are there specific causes, such as tiredness, or does the interest seem monotonous? Understanding the root reason can help you personalise a solution. For example, if your interest in a topic has waned, discovering a new perspective or material may reinvigorate your enthusiasm. If burnout is the cause, prioritising rest and self-care is essential before attempting to re-engage.

Gradual Re-engagement

Rediscovering your passion might require finding new ways to engage with the special interest. Instead of abandoning the interest entirely, exploring a different aspect of it can open up fresh avenues. For example, if your special interest is in art, trying a new medium or technique could rekindle your enthusiasm. Research suggests that introducing variety into routines or tasks helps maintain engagement, especially for people with a tendency to focus deeply on specific subjects (Koegel et al., 2010).

Additionally, exploring new interests can have surprising benefits. Sometimes, stepping outside your familiar areas of focus can bring about unexpected connections. Exploring unrelated activities can give your brain a break, reduce burnout, and stimulate creativity in ways that benefit your core passion. As McDonnell and Milton (2014) highlight, autistic individuals often benefit from the freedom to explore new subjects without external pressures, which can help them re-engage with their original passions when they are ready.

Building a Support System

Having a support network of friends, family, or other autistic individuals can be quite beneficial during times of change. Sharing your emotions can help to alleviate the loneliness that frequently comes with losing a passion. Others who have had similar experiences can provide insight or guidance. Peer support has been demonstrated to be effective in providing emotional support as well as practical techniques for navigating life changes, such as shifts in interests (Crosland & Dunlap, 2012).

Therapists or counsellors familiar with autism can also offer you support. They can help identify the root causes of losing interest and assist in developing strategies to cope. Cognitive behavioural approaches, for example, can help individuals reframe how they view their interests and explore ways to re-engage with joy rather than obligation (Attwood, 2015).

Losing passion in a special interest as an autistic individual can feel unsettling, but it is a natural part of life. With self-compassion, rest, and exploration, it is possible to navigate this experience. Rediscovering passion or finding new interests can open doors to personal growth. Through patience, support, and flexibility, you can continue to find fulfilment and joy in both your special interests and new areas of curiosity.

Written by: Micole

References

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aRaymaker, D. M., Teo, A. R., Steckler, N. A., et al. (2020). "Having all of your internal resources exhausted beyond measure and being left with no clean-up crew": Defining autistic burnout. Autism in Adulthood, 2(2), 132–143.