By Martine Mussies 音の洪水 心は溺れる 静寂求む A flood of loud sounds My heart is drowning deeply I long for silence ** 一つの道 深く掘り進む 宝を得る On one path I dig Deeply to find my treasures Passion in my hands ** 人の海に 波の間に立ち 孤独感じ In a sea of crowds Standing strong between the waves Loneliness sets in Martine Mussies …

By Martine Mussies 7 Types of Rest for Neurodivergent People Rest is essential for everyone, but it is especially important for neurodiverse people. Non-neurotypicals are simply more likely to experience sensory overload, autistic burnout, and other challenges that can be exacerbated by a feeling of…

By Cory Morrison Background Ironically, in 2005, around the same time I discovered my perfect pitch ability (as I talked about in my first article), I also developed a special interest that I still have to this day (18 long years! The age people graduate from high school). This special interest is t…

By Piper Hughes Whatever is your special interest, if it makes you feel safe, if it brings you joy and comfort, and if it is not harming you or others, please wear it with pride. I was once best friends with Madonna. Well, no, not really. Please don’t call her to verify my claim. That would be a tad…

By Nils Skudra One of the most popular hospitality attractions in Greensboro is Chez Genese, a French restaurant located in Greensboro, North Carolina that features exquisite French cuisine for breakfast and lunch seven days a week. A distinguishing aspect of this restaurant is that just over fifty …

“I’ve always had pretty intense special interests, often kept secret, but Flyleaf was one of the very few that seemed socially acceptable.” By Miya Sae A little over ten years ago, I returned to my freshman dorm after morning classes and was welcomed by the most heartbreaking Facebook po…

By Kaelynn Partlow As someone diagnosed with autism, I have always had “intense” or “obsessive” interests in different subject areas. As someone who is also diagnosed with several severe learning disabilities, to say I’ve struggled academically would be an understatement. When I was a kid, I used t…

October is National Disability Employment Awareness month. I struggled for years with employment; I am now gainfully employed going on 13.6 years in the mental health field and 18 years part-time as a professor of theology and speak at over 70 events a year. As I refined my talents and special inter…

By Aaron Bouma For much of my life I have been mainly focused on military history and military affairs as my main special interest. Many Autistics have a strong interest in a specific topic which we fixate on. In 2007, a year after I graduated from high school, I attempted to join the Canadian Force…

“The tables have turned I am now the stud that wrestlers are afraid to face on the mat.” Caiden Hooks By Ron Sandison Caiden Hooks finds motivation to overcome every challenge by his favorite Scripture 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we live by faith, not by sight.” Multi-talented Caiden qualified for the …

A humorous look at autism. By Englebert Lau 1.) Repetitive habits that only make sense to you Girl: “That’s weird.” Guy: “What’s weird?” Girl: “You always eat food in the same order. Steak, then potatoes, then vegetables.” Guy: “That makes perfect sense. You have to eat steak when it’s warm. P…

Aidan loves washing machines. Miranda shares why it’s important to follow your child’s lead. Follow the Leader By Miranda Steffen When children show a knack or interest in a particular activity, parents tend to go above and beyond to help them thrive. If a child takes a liking to a socc…

A disputed theory works for Zach, who has autism By Chris Martin, Unrestricted Interest I hear the familiar Skype jingle and accept the call. Zach’s pixilated face comes into focus and I see Larysa, his devoted and talented facilitator, next to him. His fingers are busy with colorful beads, like the…

In October returning from a suspension from kicking a teacher, John Benjamin told his mom, “I don’t want to go back to school—I don’t like working with my paraprofessional. He pinches me hard, driving his nails into me and treats me like I am a little kid.” A few weeks ago a news story about a 10-y…