Extremely Curious From the Start
From the very beginning, Sam was extremely curious.
At six months old, he started absorbing books. We had hundreds of books – and he worked through all of them.
Not just looking at them, but studying them. Over and over. Until every detail was memorized.
At two years old, he became fascinated with pressure pumps.
For most parents, probably an unusual topic for a toddler. For Sam, it was fascinating.
So we showed him pumps, found books, and read through them with him again and again.
Later we expanded his knowledge digitally – but that came later. In the beginning, it was about the tactile, the tangible.
Museums, Experiments, and a Research Corner
Sam has been to many museums and always loved them. Technology museums, natural history museums, science museums – anything offering knowledge was interesting.
We set up an experiment corner in his room with a digital microscope where he looked at and read about many things.
My wife conducted experiments with him using a Bunsen burner. Controlled, safe, but real.
There's been and continues to be a lot of crafting and building.
Sam builds very large, symmetric structures from hundreds of wooden blocks. For hours. With absolute precision.
He also frequently takes all his board games and distributes the contents in an organized way throughout his room.
To a "typical" person, it looks like chaos. But Sam notices if even a single piece has been moved.
He builds a lot with LEGO – often not following instructions, but according to his own systems and structures.
An Important Tip: Photograph Before Cleaning Up
One more tip – before we dismantle and put away a structure, we photograph it from all sides and from above.
Then it's okay for us to put it away.
Otherwise, we risk a meltdown.
For Sam, the structure isn't just "finished" – it's a work that must be documented. Only then can it go.
This small rule has saved us many tears and much stress.
Why We Support His Interests So Intensively
Special interests are often more than just hobbies for autistic children.
They are:
- a source of security and structure
- a way to understand the world
- a method for reducing stress
- an area where they experience real competence
When we support Sam's interests, we're not just supporting his knowledge – we're supporting his confidence, resilience, and joy in life.
That's why we invest time, money, and energy in his topics. Not because we have to – but because we know how much it gives him.
What the Science Says
Special interests are a core feature of the autism spectrum and often have a positive impact on development.
Studies show that:
- Special interests can promote learning in other areas (e.g., reading, mathematics)
- they can be used as motivational tools in therapies and school settings
- they reduce stress and promote emotional stability
- they can facilitate social interactions when shared with others
- engaging in special interests strengthens self-esteem
Children whose special interests are supported frequently show:
- better attention and concentration
- higher learning motivation
- more confidence
- less anxiety and overwhelm
Sources (Selection):
Winter-Messiers (2007) – Special Interests and Well-Being
Gunn & Delafield-Butt (2016) – Restricted Interests
Grove et al. (2018) – Special Interests and Anxiety Reduction
Mercier et al. (2000) – Special Interests and Social Functioning
What We've Learned
Special interests aren't a disorder that needs to be contained.
They're a resource that can be used.
When we support Sam in his interests, we're supporting all of him.