Do you have interests that seem more intense than everyone else’s but you aren’t sure why? Neurodivergent people often have more intense interests like special interests and hyperfixations. In this episode we will coverWhat special interests and hyperfixations are and the difference between themThe importance of special interests and hyperfixations and why they matterThe benefits and challenges of having special interests or hyperfixations Losing a special interest and learning how to cope with losing a special interestMy personal special interests and ones I’ve lostMyths and misconceptions about special interests and hyperfixations Monotropism and infodumping TimeblindnessHow to support yourself as someone with intense interests and how to support someone else with intense interestsFrom this episode you will gain a greater understanding of intense interests like special interests and hyperfixations and why they are important and matter. You will learn about what losing a special interest means and the emotional rollercoaster that comes with it. We will debunk myths and misconceptions about special interests and hyperfixations and you will gain a greater understanding of your own or someone else’s hyperfixations and special interests Want to learn more about Autism? Check out my deep dive episode 16Spotify https://open.spotify.com/episode/02cMI38DylYO39XCXydiXh Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-16-autism-explained-traits-support-needs-diagnosis/id6785985912?i=1000792194351 Want to learn more about ADHD? Check out my deep dive episode 17Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-17-adhd-explained-executive-function-attention-subtypes/id6785985912?i=1000793425410 Want to learn more about myths and misconceptions around autism and adhd and what autism and adhd actually look like check out episode 4 Spotify https://open.spotify.com/show/1QEJ2nZoVw562I0gzsHNKJ Apple Podcasts https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-4-what-autism-and-adhd-actually-look-like-traits/id6785985912?i=1000775792288 Email me questions stories or if you want to be a guest connect@thinkdifferentpod.comFind more information and full transcripts on my websitethinkdifferentpod.wordpress.com Join the community to start seeing the world a little differently the-mind-map.beehiiv.com If you aren’t already listening on YouTube check out my YouTube channel Minds That Think Differently where I post full episodes and clips https://youtube.com/@mindsthatthinkdifferently?si=eAvbHj5wsOVkMDis