tser:

jestrotheevil:

please stop calling your interests that mean a lot to you your “special interests”. special interest is a term for people on the autism spectrum, not for you guys to throw around like it means nothing. having special interests means the world to so many autistic people (especially young autistics) and seeing the term used loosely by allistics is kind of infuriating.

Also, special interests are pathologised as a symptom of autism, and using the term is a reclamation by actually autistic people. In the medical community, autistics having a special interest is considered a problem, therapies are aimed at forcing autistics to give them up, and they are forbidden to speak about them – even when it’s totally normal for allistics to have driving hobbies and interests.

For allistics who have ADHD and similar disorders, “hyperfocus” is a common term.

If you’re neurotypical, just say “hobby” or “passion” or “fandom” or something like that.