Chronicles of an Atypical Mind — Unfiltered and Unapologetic
Personal stories, science-based articles, and resources on autism, bipolar disorder, and atypical cognition.
What is the difference between a manic obsession and an autistic special interest? On paper, the distinction seems simple. In reality, it is not at all. This confusion is common, including between bipolar disorder and autism (ASD), even among healthcare professionals. I have experienced it myself from the inside.
Special interests in autism resemble passions, but they often differ in their intensity, their all-consuming nature, and the important role they play in everyday life. I have several major special interests in my own life. Some go back a very long way, with one probably dating back to my childhood. But what exactly is a special interest?