Special Interests as a Gateway to Connection

By Linda Andron Ostrow

Embracing Special interests , Not Ignoring them

Last week we were treated to the wonderful story of Owen Suskind who understood the world in amazing depth, through his interest in Disney movies and the messages their characters embody. His father, Ron , relates this incredible story in his article in the New Yorker and up coming book. Life Animated. When the Suskind’s saw the potential to connect with Owen through Disney movies they felt hope. When his therapists were able to embrace this idea and they joined Owen in his world, Soon enough everyone came to see just how deeply insightful Owen is. Even further, it was when he starts a Disney club and now he truly has friendship experiences. He is no longer the “sidekick” and is even faced with the complicated relationship of first love.So what’s my takeaway message?

So what’s my takeaway message?

Connect with your children, students and clients where they are, where they feel most themselves. Don’t judge them for it, but rather help them to judge when and where to share these interests. Don’t miss any window into the depth of their minds. Help them to find others who share their interests, speak their language, and can cultivate meaningful relationships. Guide them towards related areas that may broaden their social world, instead of tightening it up.

The question of how to deal with special interests is ever present for those who live with autistic spectrum disorders. Does it qualify as a restricted and repetitive behavior and then tip the scales in DSM5 from social communication disorder to autistic spectrum disorder?

Should it be nurtured, as Temple Grandin tells us to build future careers? Does it help to build friendships with others who share common interests? Does it cause problems when difficulties in mentalization and reading non verbal cues get in the way of reading the minds of others to see if they are losing interest?

Cory and I dealt with. This question in Pokemon and Yugio, in our book, “The world according to Cory through Linda’s eyes”.

Thank you,

Linda