Autism and Special Interests | Things I Love as an Autistic Mom

Special interests are an important component of life on the autism spectrum. More research is coming out that supports the need for autistic people to pursue their special interests on a regular basis, both in and out of the classroom (article linked below).
This video explores some of my own personal special interests and also ways that special interests improve the quality of life for those in the autistic community.
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The Benefits of Special Interests in Autism:
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I'm Tay, a married mom of 2 who was diagnosed with Autism at 31 years old. This was after YEARS of therapy (and all of the self tests in the world!). My diagnosis has brought up questions, frustration, doubt, but most importantly, a new level of self compassion and understanding.
I'm here to share knowledge, resources, and products that empower other neurodivergents (and their loved ones) to live freely and creatively. I'm not a doctor so please speak with your healthcare providers before implementing any recommendations I make on my channel.
Women are under-diagnosed due to lack of research. Please share any videos that are helpful to you so we can spread awareness and acceptance.
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#autism #autistic #aspergers

[@CS-xw5pu]

As a cat person, I really love that your first special interest is cats. The thing about cats is that you don't have to mask. At all. I don't have to smile or pretend to be happy. They don't demand anything but food and love. There is no human alive that I am more at ease and safe with than a cat. I have never met a cat I didn't love.

[@wilM26]

Can you believe. . . My special interest for the past 4 or so years has been Autism! I am not diagnosed, but am undoubtedly Autistic. I believed that I was studying Autism for many reasons, but I absolutely, in beginning my studying, had no clue that it was actually to learn about me! My intuition was obviously nudging me 😊 I believe that Autistic people are highly intuitive, and have so many skills that haven't been realised, because they don't fall into the linear way of current society. I believe that our gifts shine when we are given the space, time and respect to be our complete, true selves! I love watching your videos, lots of love to you 🥰💖

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you for your comment! Sending lots of love back!

[@TheMuseTree]

This is such a relatable comment 😂

[@Authentically.Autistic]

I love that.

[@turtleanton6539]

Same!

[@s0cializedpsych0path]

During my NDE, I learned what we are.... we're angels incarnating into human bodies, to help the world go through a great transitions. Always follow your Intuition and don't second guess it... you'll become a shooting star!

[@arielnecessary1615]

My special interests come and go and eventually come back again. Sometimes I go for stretches without one, which is really hard because special interests bring joy and purpose and something to look forward to. I've had many special interests over the years: drawing, astronomy, Star Trek, geology, genetics, knitting, crochet, tatting, ice skating. My crochet special interest has currently come back around, so I recently finished making an afghan. By the way, I loved the flute playing and piano.

[@T1MB05L1C3]

Loving the Snorlax in the outro background (it's my favorite Pokemon, which, yes, is at times a special interest).

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Haha snorlax is awesome

[@DoraemonFan-ww3jm]

@@MomontheSpectrum My favorite Pokémon is Mantyke, but I like other ones too, such as Togekiss, Wooper, Swinub, and Luvdisc.

[@BrazenNL]

Special interests and hyper focus are the things that make me _love_ my autism!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yes! 🙌🏻

[@robertwarbrick7560]

Lol @ 5hour research sessions. Good to know I am not the only one 🤣

[@sueannevangalen5186]

Another special interest of mine is history, especially women from history. Past research topics have included Mary, Queen of Scots and Queen Elizabeth I. Also... It sounds morbid, but a couple years ago, I researched the lives of the victims of Jack the Ripper, especially the five we know for sure were killed by him. For me, I didn't care as much about the question "Who was Jack the Ripper" as I did about "Who were these five women who died?" It was fascinating. Five sad stories that don't end well, but also five portraits of Victorian life. Is anyone else into history?

[@Catlily5]

Yes. I like history, but it is not my main special interest.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

This is fascinating sueanne!

[@martinhughes007]

Our ASD kids all love history.

[@andreaharmon8931]

I love history too, especially about women. A few months ago I go really into Joan of Arc for a month. I obsessed about her and kept talking to a couple of my friends about her and the fascinating videos and books I was reading/watching.

[@sueannevangalen5186]

@@andreaharmon8931 Oh, Joan of Arc! I haven't read much about her but I think she's really interesting, too.

[@A-Different-Way-of-Thinking]

My special interests are mathematics, nature, and arts n’ crafts.

[@joycebrewer4150]

My special interests are finding out what plants commonly thought of as useless weeds are really good to eat, or edible flowers, or neglected edible parts of common garden crops. Did you know carrot greens are just as delicious as the roots? Though they are best harvested for greens while the plant is no more than half mature as greens toughen and become more bitter as they grow.

[@andreaharmon8931]

I love herbology too. I did the School of Natural Healing 20 years ago. I'm considering doing Chestnut School of Natural Medicines in a few months.

[@kaistinakemperdahl9667]

Wow, that's a really cool special interest. I’m interested in that as well, but not special interest level.

[@Itz_ParisHeaven]

My special interests are music, Michael Jackson, animals, psychology, and candles! 😁 also, you play the flute beautifully!

[@terrybartlett3014]

OMG, Taylor. You just made me cry. Your flute playing was so beautiful, not only the sound, but the way you emoted and allowed yourself the freedom to almost dance. I am a singer/voice teacher and grew up among musicians, and attended a conservatory of music for 3 years. You downplay your talent far too much on your channel. Wow. Thank you, thank you, thank you for sharing that gift. Your not a slouch at the piano, either! My mom was both a first grade teacher and a private piano teacher, and I can hear her now complimenting you on your hand position, LOL. Side note: one of my special interests is also crystals & gemstones, I even make soaps that look like them. I've been obsessed with that interest as long as I can remember. My biggest special interests are: Crystals, Singing, Dance, Acting, Musical Theatre, Art, Glass Art/Clear Art, and basically anything sparkly or transparent/translucent, Psychology (have you ever looked into Brain Gym?).

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks so much for your kind comment, and no I haven’t looked into brain gym. Thanks for the suggestion!

[@kj3d812]

@@MomontheSpectrum I agree with Terry Barlett - your flute playing was just beautiful. I started on the flute and almost pursued it as a professional, but had to choose between flute and cello and cello suited me better. I graduated from the N.C. School of the Arts with a Bachelor's in cello but was unable to pursue it professionally due to many reasons. I totally get when you say the flute allowed you to communicate with others in a way you could not communicate otherwise. That's what music was for me, for many years. I am a self-diagnosed autistic (hoping for official diagnosis soon) and now I understand the role that music played, in a way far different than I ever understood before. And special interests --- YES, IN SPADES! 😂😂😂 I had always chided myself and felt ashamed when I'd take up something, get all into it like a maniac, and then suddenly lose interest ... all that time and money for what? Now at least I understand *why* I'm that way, and I can give myself some slack and not beat up on myself so much. (hard habit to break) Thank you for playing for us. ❤

[@stellagetreuer5164]

Oh yes. Research. I think research in itself is a special interest for me. Information-junkie, I am. Animals are also incrrdibly important for me. But what has really been one of my strongest special interests since I was a teenager has been Tolkien’s legendarium (and HP as well, but if I had to choose one, I’d take Tolkien’s world). And it is kind of lonely. I can challange the hardened geeks, no problem. I write my own fanfiction and could discuss it for hours (and hours and hours). Trouble is, that knowledge is completely useless,

[@rachelb4235]

I've had quite a few special interests but didn't know that's what they were at the time. My current one is quilting. I love it! When I'm stressed, I crave anything quilt related because it helps calm me down and feel joy.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Love this! The art of quilting is amazing. 🤩

[@s0cializedpsych0path]

Mine was guitar!!!! ...and heavy metal.... that became my community. They appreciate brutal honesty.

[@Catlily5]

Cats, collections and the world. I like maps and collecting world coins and stamps goes along with my 5 atlases. I like learning about different cultures too. I studied psychology and still read about it. I cycle through special interests instead of staying on one. I last about one month to 3 months on one interest and then go to another one. Usually I return to them. I have gone through various interests numerous times. I also spent a year researching autism during the Covid shutdown.

[@iamdreamom]

Board games are a huge interest for me - Ones like Wingspan, Everdell, Castles of Burgundy, etc… Also reading - but I can have an inability to focus on reading when I am stressed or overwhelmed.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

board games are awesome and so complex! I'm amazed at how many there are to choose from and how many are continually being developed!

[@iamdreamom]

@@MomontheSpectrum When I was younger I liked “traditional” games, but now I am super interested in the mechanics, and what makes them good. I struggle with special interests though, because like you I am also ADHD, so my Dr doesn’t recognize my special interests because I have several of them. Luckily for me I am REALLY engaged in board gaming right now, so I might be able to convince her it is more than a “hobby”. I have also noticed my special interests are kryptonite for my ADHD impulsivity. I CANNOT manage money if I have access to buying games or game accessories. 😬

[@jackieli772]

Math/physics, martial arts, color guard, choreography of various sorts (nonverbal dramas, dance, parkour), Bible and Christianity, lyrics and curating music playlists, writing poetry, and Enneagram for a time

[@BurntKloverfield]

That's so funny that so many people get into psychology because of their diagnosis. When my brother and I were tested, and he was diagnosed, and I was told that I was "borderline autistic", learning all about psychology and neurodiversity and how "normal" people are supposed to act became a huge special interest for me. And also because I was aware that getting obsessed with things was a thing that autistic kids did, I was hyper aware of how I shouldn't get obsessed or too into anything. Lots of masking and lots of trying to look normal. I'm trying to give that up now because finding and rediscovering my special interests has absolutely given me a sense of purpose and meaning in my life. And that's also including music, too. I've been taking piano lessons as an adult, and I have been having a blast! Your playing is lovely!

[@guitaristbiker]

im a late diagnosed level 1, my father has played music since he was young, i grew up with music around me and i guess looking back was huge for me on the autistic side even though i didnt know that then, but id spend hours in my dads music room listening to records and cds playing along on guitar, then played in my dads band and so on, in high school i got a drum set and taught myself drums, i have really amazing hearing abilities and music has been a huge part of my life, ive always used it as a way to express myself and cope with life, i have other special intetests, but I can totally comprehend your love for music

[@Askalott]

I've always loved animals. I was obsessed with dogs and wolves when I was a kid. I also used to have a stuffed manatee from Sea World that I loved. My mom gave away all my stuffed animals because she's a witch, but I wish I still had it. That was my favorite one. Some nights I would pile every single stuffed animal I owned into my bed, and I probably had a hundred. I didn't want to leave anyone out. That was the first sign something was off. Now I'm vegan, lol.

[@annbelles6625]

My special interests includes disabilities and exotic fruit trees. Thanks so much for this channel. I am 59 years old and I always told everyone that "my brain is broken." I actually believe I am autistic. I can relate to this so much!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I’m so glad you’re here!!

[@amivivi6420]

art has been my special interest my whole life. psychology has been around few years

[@sutpremblair1438]

Wildland Firefighting has always been a special interest. When I was a12 year old girl (that was 1973) , I wanted to work for the US Forest Service as a person who works in a "Fire Tower" looking for signs of forest fires. US Forest Service careers were not open to women in the 1970's , not to mention all the rest of the "kid on the spectrum", with a single mom in the 1960's/70's etc. Because I live in Northern New Mexico, USA, following wildland fire fighting to "Containment"; observing how the teams of fire fighting personal work together to be successful dealing with the natural element of fire is very interesting.

[@MegsAdventureDiary]

While processing whether or not I am autistic, the one thing that seemed to be in my way was that I wasn’t sure I had any special interests as there wasn’t really anything that I was super passionate about through my life like I had seen other autistic people express. however I think that because of my ADHD I instead had some rotating and short lived but intense interests. Soccer, crafting (sewing, knitting, embroidery, coloring, beaded jewelry, friendship bracelets, tie dye, scrapbooking, etc), 5SOS, kayaking, hiking, camping, wanting to be a surfer who lived at the beach, long boarding, vlogging, kitchen tools, rebate apps/saving money, Disney, MCU, Star Wars. It’s a bit all over the place, but I realize I had many mini passions over the years, some lasting just a few months, others spanning years. Maybe I didn’t know everything about the subjects or was skilled at it, but I would have intense interests in learning about it for some time and to me that helped me see how special interests has been an important part of my life and who I am.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

definitely can relate to this!

[@goghfurther]

I’m questioning whether I’m neurodivergent or not but I would say the art is a huge special interest for me. Whether it’s fine art, art history, or even crafts I love it all! Although at the same time I know what certain materials I don’t like and avoid them at all costs 😂

[@nikkib317]

Manatees are my favorite animal. I've been obsessed for 28 yrs. I even swam with them. They are just the sweetest creatures. 💕 You play the flute beautifully, btw.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you!

[@moleculeninja107]

I should’ve studied psychology (it fascinates me). I can spend FOREVER researching things. My son is neuro-diverse, and when the school and I were trying to figure out what was going on, I spent a ridiculous amount of time reading through everything possible about different mental health conditions. One of my special interests is martial arts!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome!

[@Angela-gr4vi]

The more I watch the more I think I might be autistic like my son, which is what got me watching in the first place. My special interests are knitting, art, sewing, history, and crystals too.

[@gracecarter8734]

Jewelry and fashion, makeup, art/drawing, psychology, plants/gardening/landscaping. I always said diamonds make my brain happy. People laughed like it was just a quirky way of saying I liked diamonds, but no - they literally make my brain happy. It's a stim. I just sit a stare at the glittering and calm down.

[@Kellie_Curtis-Holmes]

Research is totally my thing 🥰 I started looking into my family tree in 2003, and for a few years I was struggling to know what I was doing lol. I had a terrible period of depression and agoraphobia from 2004 onwards, but in 2007 I actually got good at researching my family tree and realized it was helping me cope too. Since 2007 it's been more of an obsession than a hobby and it really calms me down and focus, but I can spend a solid 10 hours constantly searching. I'm also the same way with the music I like, I have to research all of the bands I love, their songs and each musician. The bands/musicians from my local area are a whole other level of research

[@turtleanton6539]

Same

[@JadeAislin]

I also got a degree in psychology. I first minored in it, then majored in it because I wanted to understand why my siblings acted the way they did (sis was bipolar and both sis and brother attempted suicide.) I like to know and understand what is going on around me.

[@chelseameyers7184]

I was OBSESSED with cats as a child. Had cats on my walls, cat figurines, loved learning about cats, etc. Was gifted in piano in that I'd memorize songs and never needed sheet music. My 4th grade teacher realized my gifting in writing and I 100% have her to thank in helping me own that as my #1 special interest to this day! And I absolutely LOVE knitting or being creative in general. Anything else that I'd consider to be a special interest, I'd have spurts of obsessions over it until I'd basically experience burnout from learning that thing lol. So for an entire year, I was obsessed with horses, wanted to learn everything about them, and even took riding lessons. This makes so much sense now!

[@jbullets5964]

I'm 100% certain I'm on the spectrum given the mere fact that I've spent the last two days going on three fully immersed with learning about ASD. Lol

[@sydneyperson1336]

Beautiful playing! I have a special interest in psychology and lots of movies, another one might be creative writing, but I think of it more as an outlet for my other interests, interweaving character psychology, themes and genres from movies, etc into my writing.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Awesome!

[@xenedraabourque1393]

I like to write ✍️ stories much of it's based on maybe 90% of my dreams

[@dandelionsky6446]

I'm 16 and I've always really loved cats and that was one of my first special interests and then I went on to learning about horses and then dogs and I just kept going from one animal to the next. So animals is definitely my main special interest. But music is also a really big special interest of mine. I also became really interested in the biological differences between men and women when I was 14 and 15. Autism was also a special interest of mine around that time. So yeah I really love learning lol

[@SkipperKids]

I love it! My special interests include Shih Tzus, butterflies (I raise them), photography, web design, customizing things for myself, and teaching math.

[@L4D1992]

I don't currently identify as female, I started transitioning about a year ago, however I recently found your videos and being afab I was late diagnosed with a lot of the issues that align more with the less studied behaviors. It's been really helpful to me as a resource and thank you for putting all these videos out here!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome! Thanks so much for your comment.

[@alexamassey7851]

OMG we are the same person except replace the flute with a cello. I realized watching this that I got so serious about Orchestra because it was both creative enough for my ADHD but structured enough for my autism and enabled me to excel at some thing and connect with others over the shared interest. And eventually paid for my college degree from a music scholarship which was the only way I was able to go to college. I’m literally writing a will so that the equity in my house would go to a cat rescue if I were to die suddenly.

[@robertwarbrick7560]

I liked this format. It was cool to see the different clips coming together. It's also how my brain works. It's kinda like stringing along an experience collage.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I’m glad it wasn’t overwhelming! 😅

[@robertwarbrick7560]

@@MomontheSpectrum Not at all. It taps into the idea of information chunking and makes it easier to recall/reference content.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Yay! Thanks for the feedback.

[@robertwarbrick7560]

@@MomontheSpectrum No problem. Thanks for keeping in touch through communication and content! 👍

[@andreaharmon8931]

I agree. I find this kind of format of video really pleasant. My very first autistic channel I came across is Hunter Hansesn Life Autistic. He formats his videos in a similar way. I found it agreeable to my brain and taking in information. Not distracting at all.

[@s1monstar23]

I love permaculture, which is where ecosystems meet farming and natural human culture. I also love history, especially ancient collapsed civilizations and now I love learning about my autism and neurodiversity. Go figure, all those topics are steeped in diversity!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

So cool! Thanks for sharing.

[@ThatLynnGirl]

I’m tripping. LOL I’m 62 with no diagnosis, but I did book reports on autism in the ‘70s and have always felt tuned in to other people’s “quirks” and habits. Turns out I carry Fragile X, both sons are affected, and hubby and I finally realized what MY “problem” is. Learning this late is a little frustrating, but I’m also comforted just knowing I’m not a weirdo.

[@glendapeterson1180]

Your video on traits was great. If only I'd known when I was younger. I don't touch my hair; I take little strands and tie them into knots while I read, study, etc. In fifth grade a boy who sat behind me told my mother (he was totally confused), "Mrs. Peterson, do you know Glenda ties knots in her hair?" Usually I can unwind them, but occasionally I have to cut them out.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I do the same thing!

[@tylertrinidad21]

I like researching roller coasters

[@MomontheSpectrum]

oooh. did you ever play roller coaster tycoon? also i bet there's a lot of cool physics concepts involved in your research...

[@nathanjw940]

I research and gather information at a bank I enjoy figuring out what happened through research and pays the bills

[@emmalove5080]

My special interests are music, makeup, crime, books, squishmallows and fidget toys 😊❤️🌈

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I love squishmallows!

[@JaxAutist]

I love studying psychology, religion and the affects it has on the human mind, animals, history, and space. I am learning to play piano, play bass guitar, sing, draw, and paint. I have always loved words and writing, so I have a few blogs that I add to when something surfaces that I need to get it out.

[@janetdaniels2849]

I am an older mom of 3 adult children and all 3 are on the spectrum. Specifically my last 2- my middle child has aspergers and adhd and my youngest has classic autism. So glad i found you!

[@kristaa9209]

Diagnosed with ADHD as a young child and a possible missed diagnosis of autism. So many different intense interests over the years with new ones always on the rise. Anything related to Superman, gems, rocks, and crystals, playing the piano and learning new songs, reiki healing, and anything related to spirits and mediumship, reading auras etc., in the past it was exercising to becoming a spin instructor and personal trainer to competing on stage, photography, crocheting, beads and jewelry making, I mean the list goes on and changes all the time. Oh, and right now it's foraging for mushrooms and learning all about the ones I can eat!

[@rockstarjazzcat]

Thanks for playing for us! Gorgeous.

[@davidvonjanowski9828]

Indeed special interests - with no skills I made a grandfather clock using hand tools by reading books from the library and teaching myself. Took two years. French polishing and hand tool sharpening and no power tools working with mahogony. Your flute playing was great - I see that also as an immersive solitary occupation requiring intense thought and self taught skills. I see being autistic as a gift - not a disability. Your videos are wonderful and mirror so much of what I have experienced at school and in life. Reading from a young age 'books without pictures' - disruptive in class -everything to a level of intensity that others see as extreme but I see as 'learning'. Thank you 😊🖒 I also taught myself computer programming in the 80's and graduated in the 90's with distinctions in programming. I received commendations for my efforts during conflict that acknowledged my singular effort in turning around a failing project into a success - with a personal mention from high above in dispatches. The course work was really easy. At school I failed most of my exams then I came first in the college class I attended! My junior school report says nothing good about me but in small letters the teacher wrote 'English Prize' 😁 I read ALL the books in the class library and the teacher brought his own books in for me to read. I failed physics in Senior school but ran the school disco and demonstrated the disco lights I had designed and built (sound to light not just flashing lights)! I hated PE but cycled 1000 miles across Europe three times during summer breaks. I was always fixing televisions and other electrical items for school 'friends' parents with all self taught skills from age 16. When I was 5 years old I could wire a plug properly. Autism is a gift - I have always been close to animals and have made friends with many supposedly 'vicious' dogs - and through my writing I am seen as a totally different person to the presented image seen communicating verbally. Autism is a gift. I was playing chess at age 5. Books were my life at a young age and I used to read one a day. Later in life I cared for my mother whe became disabled - and I have been told my caring gave her a quality of life that few with her physical disabilities could have as I took my caring to limits that others had not known could be. Play your flute and share your words and videos and music that is your gift 😊

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for your comment!

[@BrookeAllyceHuntsman]

I am so glad to have found your channel. Both me and my daughter are on the spectrum.

[@beetlepawss]

My special interest for as long as I can remember has been bugs and insects, especially moths. It always made it a little awkward trying to make friends on the playground when I was catching bugs all the time, as most girls my age found them gross or creepy, so I suppressed it for a long time. Since I got diagnosed with autism at age 19, I've rediscovered my love for them and found a lot of online friends and communities who appreciate bugs as much as I do. I'm 21 now and currently studying psychology (another big interest, haha) but I've gotten my first summer job in entomology!

[@vivianstewart7523]

The structure of bugs is so interesting when you look at them up close. Beautiful.

[@Chelsi.Nichol]

I don’t have a diagnosis, but in the past few weeks I stumbled across videos on autism and I think more and more that I’m on the spectrum. In relation to this video, I’ve had intense special interests my whole life and some have actually isolated me further. (Like when kids called me “Spice Freak” in 4th-5th grade during my intense Spice Girls era, and my parents constantly trying to shift me away from it. 😞) Since then I’ve felt like I had to tread carefully in showing my interests to the world to avoid being looked down on or made fun of, and have seen my special interests as a flaw. Right now my special interests are the enneagram (5w4), Disney, narcolepsy (was diagnosed a few months ago), autism and my favorite band Tegan and Sara. Thank you for posting everything you do, it’s been helping me on my research journey so much!

[@princesspiranha]

When you were playing the flute, the automatic generated closed captions said: [Applause] 😊❤

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Hahaha awesome. I wonder why it did that? Lol

[@nbctheoffice]

As a self-diagnosed autistic whose special interest is music, thank you for sharing your flute. Great sound quality!

[@elliemay9334]

Your piano playing was amazing too!

[@gracecarter8734]

I loved listening to you play the flute - so soothing, thank you 😊

[@BrookeAllyceHuntsman]

BEAUTIFUL flute playing. WOW!!!

[@carole5648]

i played lots of instruments as a child too, while i didn't always love being required to practie, i loved playing what i wanted to play, and in an orchestra, it was easier to be in a group of people when we were all just playing music together. also, bees 🤗 and crystals. i'm very into woo, and i'm not sorry about it. reading and certain 'fandoms', anyone else get so into something fictional that there literally is not enough information about it. i guess like trekkies, but about different IPs.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

“I’m very into woo and I’m not sorry about it.” Totally digging your vibes.

[@MIOLAZARUS]

Awwww the flute was amazing 😢❤ Music is my special interest too! You are gifted !!

[@mysterionz]

Pressing the subscribe button! I've traveled through a lot of special interests since 2012/2013.. the two major ones for me were cartoons and drawing.. The powerpuff girls (1998) remains one of my favorite cartoons of all time.. Anime was a major special interest of mine from 2012-2019.

[@diaholly6990]

A special interest for me is mathematics. The repetitive solving is therapeutic for me, I like to make connections between the things I learn, and I absolutely love being the best in my class, gives me a real confidence-boost.

[@BravosReviews]

Your fascination with Beltram is super endearing.

[@monicafree9315]

I’ve also recently become interested in crystals and gems! Completely by accident, I was searching for a new wedding ring and never intended to have one with a stone on it because I’ve just never particularly enjoyed diamond rings. But I saw moss agate on a ring and it struck me as so beautiful! It looks like nature encapsulated in a stone, honestly, and I’ve been missing the outdoors, so that’s what I settled on. I’m not sure if crystals will become a special interest of mine, but I have been obsessed with moss agate in particular! Piano is also a special interest, as is personality/specific bits of psychology, I literally did research dissociation for hours 😂 so I relate!

[@xenedraabourque1393]

Loved the piano playing, so pretty

[@MountainWoman68]

I love the sound of the flute. Thanks for sharing. 🎶

[@petalleahy7936]

Oh my gosh as soon as you said the name of the piece I could hear it in my head. One of my first solos too. Twinsies!

[@RachelAnnDRKRaven]

Wow you play the flute so amazingly well. Thank you for adding that. ❤❤❤

[@izzyhendrix2651]

I love this! Mine are (in no particular order) cats, singing, gardening, rock hounding & geology, painting, psychology/autism, hair (I am a professional hairstylist), baking (I am a professional baker & science nerd), general crafting... and I am sure many to come :)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

oooh lots of fun things!!

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

Many special interests! Dogs, especially Chihuahuas. Spinning fiber into yarn, spinning wheels (new and antique), knitting, weaving-I also collected books and books, researched on the Internet, collected lots of knitting needles, and hand knit socks became an obsession (and still is!). Also, Hall China brand teapots and pottery. Handmade soap making. Canning and preserving. Sewing and quilt making. Sewing machines purchased for cheap at garage sales-taking them apart, cleaning and repairing them. Herbal therapies and growing herbs. Jewelry making-Lotsa beads, books, and tools, and ending up with much more jewelry than I will ever need in my lifetime-so friends and family get lots of jewelry! Playing Irish tin whistles and traditional Irish music. All skills and hobbies were self taught, and yes, research intensively, lol!

[@Jen-CelticWarrior]

And yes, I love rocks, gems, and crystals, too!💕😄 They often get incorporated into my wire-wrapped jewelry pieces.

[@CrystalFae44]

I have to tell you, my cat was mesmerized by you playing the flute lol!! I’ve never seen him so intently watch the tv before! Might have to start playing flute music for him 😂 I also have a special interest in psychology and cats, but for me it’s more so animals in general! My ideal career that I’m trying to work towards is dog training/cat behaviorist (think like what Jackson galaxy does lmao). Another one of my biggest special interests over the last few years is Kpop, which isn’t as “learning about the world”-y but it brings me so much joy and comfort and I find it so fun to dive into the deeper lore and meanings behind a lot of the music and music videos! I think in a broader sense music, especially music that is heavily concept focused, has always been a special interest of mine, just the specific artists will change over the years lol!

[@whitneymason406]

Love premieres and getting a chance to chat with everyone. ❤ Great video! Thanks for sharing your special interests with us!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

I love them too! It made my heart so happy y’all were already in the chat catching up 💞💞💞

[@lizmacaskill9837]

Omg, thank you so much. This is so validating!!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

You’re welcome! Thanks for your comment liz.

[@JustKate1111]

You are so wonderful. Folks think of us with ASD as unsociable___fill in the blank. U exude just the opposite and bring such understanding thru your own experiences. Keep up the great work and thanks again!!!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much for this very kind comment!

[@intuitivelogic5159]

I found that in order to get my social needs met I focused on connecting with content creators by learning about argumentation from those I admired , they were in a sense my life line . Working on debating was a big part of making me feel capable and reasonable ,especially in an environment where I felt misunderstood and unheard . I love conceptualizing abstractions from a philosophical or psychological perspective primarily, and expression in general. Many of my other interest are moreso an extension of this through dancing ,writing, and chess .

[@virgofairy88]

The flute playing you did made me so happy-I used to play in school and I miss it. I also played clarinet and piccolo. I do want to get it repaired and eventually start back up. For now I have been taking voice lessons and I got into studying opera and musical theater (my voice teacher is so amazing and she works with all kinds of students). I picked up languages very well to the point that I can sing opera in four languages (I don’t have any in English) and I’m doing my first classical singing competition this April. My other special interest is drawing and painting-I’ve made hundreds of paintings since I was a teen and I do set painting for community theater shows.

[@melmelmel92]

Hello, fellow ‘band nerd to professional musician’ here! I hadn’t considered that my special interests might serve a broader purpose beyond enjoyment, and I can feel a lot of guilt for spending too much energy on or rambling about them. Your thoughts on the way that special interests connect us to our bodies, build our confidence, and teach us about social patterns were so empowering to hear. Thankyou for the beautiful video and all the wonderful work you are doing on this channel ❤️❤️❤️

[@violetrain28]

Blue Kyanite was the first crystal I ever bought specifically for healing purposes so its always been special to me. I also really enjoy crystals and would recommend grabbing a piece of Snowflake Obsidian when you get a chance; it's one of my favorites.

[@randkperkins]

You hit the nail on the head with this one. I too play a variety of instruments with flute being my primary instrument from 5th grade on. I also play piano and have recently acquired a grand piano and play every night before bed. It is so soothing and calms my overactive mind so I sleep better. Other instruments are violin and guitar - I've studied and played for 5 years, also dabble with accordion, uke and banjolele's, Irish Whistle, harmonica, dulcimer and various rhythm instruments like African drum and tambourine. At 64 I participate in the community college orchestra and sing in the choir. I play jazz flute in a big band grandstand group. Music and or dance has always been my way to socialize and have friends. So my other 'special interests' over the years have been baton twirling (majorette back in the 70's), various forms of dance including belly dance, gymnastics and pole fitness until I got too old to do it. Was diagnosed ADHD as a small child but firmly believe I have autism as well after watching your videos as I am highly sensitive to lights, noise, smells and get overstimulated easily and have occasional 'melt downs'. Keep up the good work with your family - I managed to raise 2 boys and have 6 grandkids now. This is me playing flute with my 85 year old friend playing my grand piano a couple of months ago: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o37Lo4enbciiiKM

[@aliceatari3447]

love your playing

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks Alice!

[@chloebunde4455]

Love this video! So fun to learn more about your special interests! My biggest special interest at the moment is autism and psychology! Hence, why I love your channel :) Some others are: yoga & meditation, contemporary art, house plants and gardening, patterns and surface design for textiles (recently got obsessed with hand painted Indian teapot patterns too), Paul Frank, cats and dogs (especially great danes), cooking (the chef named Alison Roman), mail carriers (I want to be a mail woman), and Pippi Longstocking

[@allisonkline5541]

I love both of those pieces! Amazing job from a fellow music teacher!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you! 🥳

[@kylowr3n]

i LOVE crystals and gems :D they are definitely an interest of mine! i've bought over 100 in two years :0 i also love your channel as someone wondering if i'm autistic. going to bring it up with my psychiatrist in a few days as i keep researching and watching your videos! hope you're well!!!

[@imogenoliver]

Your music playing was beautiful ☺️. My special interests lately have been medicine, at one point human diseases, autism and more recently embroidery and jigsaw puzzles as well as the others already mentioned.

[@theresamariaphilipsen8762]

Great video - I always love to hear which special interests others are into. Personally, my primary special interest is Connemara ponies - and in extension also Connemara and Ireland in general. I am also quite invested in languages, and generally with obtaining titbits of knowledge of all sorts of things - it's a bonus if there's something in it which is suitable as a pony name :p I used to have a number of other special interests but when I had children - and less time for myself - I couldn't keep up with all of them anymore. Maybe some of them will come back again when my children are older :)

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thanks for sharing! Nice to hear from you.

[@selbyhill4905]

I too love cats and will never miss a chance to talk about them. One of my cats ran away when I was younger and I cried and put up posters for him for 3 years after he left. It was definitely “dramatic” to most people but I was so upset. Another weird one that I’ve had since I can remember is interest in the body but not really the whole anatomy. I’ve always been super interested in the difference between boys and girls bodies and pregnancy and sex and periods. It’s like a well of information in my head about those things. Also, music and dancing and singing is a big one too. I think your flute playing is beautiful. I tried playing the flute and couldn’t stand it right by my ear because of the pitch but I love when other people play it. And books. Books books books. I loveeeeee books.

[@Bluedragonfly22]

We have so many special interests in common! I am so happy! Lol. Cats, music, and psychology. I want to eventually learn more about crystals, and my newest special interest is astrology. I also love books..

[@MomontheSpectrum]

🌟

[@BCSchmerker]

+MomontheSpectrum *In addition to instant connection with domestic animals (even others' pets), I've special interests in arts, vehicles, and technology.* In music, I'm a jack of all parts - an instinctual audio engineer and quick-to-get-up-to-speed instrumentalist who is occasionally asked to fill in a vocal part: Instinctual arranger of instrumentals around given vocal scores, fixing to get the rust out of my couple-dance procedures on my first-ever matchmaker's mingle. Concerning technology, I'm spec'ing out a Win 11 column and a tandem simpit intended to be optimized for a Heatblur model. As of 21 June 2022 build time is a MAJOR question, as the cost of _everything_ is skyrocketing.

[@Greenwitch1201]

Horsessss, ancestry, animal nutrition, and astrology are some of my main special interests 💜 thank you for sharing! Crystals are also one of the ones I love to collect, but sometimes I avoid bc I spend too much money on them (horses are expensive🥵).

[@samanthap.879]

Your flute playing made me smile for the first time in days it was lovely!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Aww I’m so glad. Thank you for sharing that with me

[@samanthap.879]

@@MomontheSpectrum you’re welcome! You’ve been helping me understand myself so much. I’m not diagnosed but I’m a 27 year old mom and I resonate with SO much of what you say! So thanks!

[@martinhughes007]

Wow, you really make that flute sing Taylor! Great video - thank you for making it. Now I understand why I can spend hours researching things I’m interested in. I wrongly thought special interests were generally long-term things - I’m enlightened 😊

[@MomontheSpectrum]

To me it’s just something that engrosses me! Something I can get lost in.

[@BravosReviews]

I didn’t know that I was autistic u til recently, I’ve had a number of special interests throughout my life and I become an expert on the subject. It’s been extremely helpful in my career as I’ve been able to make a career and change careers and open businesses because my passions give me focus and make me more than competent in these subjects. It’s so nice to see others fascinations with things. I’ve also played many instruments and am currently in a special interest passion place with music.

[@elliemay9334]

Your flute playing is beautiful!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you so much 😀

[@DoraemonFan-ww3jm]

My special interests are logos, TV commercials, trailers, Canadian media, anime and manga, marine life, plushies, operating systems (mostly Microsoft Windows), non-scary mysteries, etc.

[@diana1302]

Thank you for another relatable video. I resonated with the other one all about your flute interest and career. Two of my life long special interests are sewing and history. Having these to lean on enabled me to be successful in fashion merchandising and styling and as a history teacher. I had freedom to just investigate and talk about my special interests all the time. I’m looking into programs to pursue my PhD in dress history. I think that having such a deep connection with my interests has helped me to succeed professionally. Working on that social facet.

[@Paula_Limberg]

Thank you for playing flute and piano for us! I really enjoyed it, and I enjoyed hearing about your other interests! I also love how you wove the info and the demos together! Edit to add that I love the rainbow swirling title card and end card background!

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Thank you Paula!

[@elizabethdufour450]

That's what I needed to hear. I had a big reflexion this week about my place at work. I love my job but the environment was so overwelming that I've been masking/compensating. I was just like:what the point? Now I'll be working remotly more often so I can benefit more from my research about fitness (I'm a Wellness consultant) and invest more in my Yoga training/personal practice

[@BrookeAllyceHuntsman]

La La Land!!! So pretty 🎶

[@Askalott]

You play the flute and piano beautifully! You are a pianist.

[@MomontheSpectrum]

Aww thank you. 💓🙏🏼

[@puntjepuntpuntje]

i love reasearching things. not really any topic in specific just what the moment brings ... and making cards, cross stitching, origami and other craftsy stuff is kinda my stimming i can do publicly so love to do them. yet they are also kinda my special interest because i do them privatly a lot aswell. binaire code puzzles are a new one for me at the moment. i feel that rollerskating can become one if i practice enough and get a little better in it.