Autism & ADHD Explained: Special Interests, Hyperfixation & Hyperfocus

Autism & ADHD Explained: Special Interests, Hyperfixation & Hyperfocus

Special interests, hyperfixation, and hyperfocus are often misunderstood, but they’re at the core of how autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) brains work. In this video, I share both the research and my lived experience of how special interests can become lifelines, why hyperfixation is sometimes called a “mini PhD,” and how planning a Japan trip turned into one of my biggest regulation tools.

Special interests are not hobbies — they’re intense passions that bring joy, structure, and identity. Research shows autistic adults spend an average of 26 hours a week on their interests, and over 90% say these passions help them regulate emotions and reduce stress. For ADHD brains, hyperfocus happens when dopamine finally locks in, leading to hours of concentration. Together, in AuDHD, these forces combine — giving us the intensity of autism with the novelty-seeking of ADHD.

I share how my own Japan trip research calms my stress (yes, my watch data proves it lowers my heart rate) and why I now use it as a self-regulation tool after difficult days. We’ll also explore how hyperfixation and hyperfocus can be workplace superpowers, turning deep dives into career skills, creativity, and problem-solving.

Practical tips:
Recognize when a hobby has tipped into a special interest.
Use interests intentionally for stress regulation.
Channel hyperfocus into work or study by setting healthy boundaries.
Support others by respecting, not dismissing, their passions.

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🎬 Chapters

0:00 – Intro | Autism & ADHD explained
1:10 – What are special interests? (autism definition & DSM-5)
3:00 – ADHD hyperfocus vs autistic special interests
5:00 – Hyperfixation explained (the “mini PhD” brain)
9:00 – Using special interests for regulation & identity
11:00 – Hyperfocus + hyperfixation as a workplace superpower
13:00 – Practical tips & how to support autistic/ADHD special interests
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⚠️NOTE:
I’m not a medical professional. This video is based on lived experience, research, and educational insights. Please speak to a qualified healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Link:    • Autism & ADHD Explained: Special Interests...