Special Interests & Friendship

Special Interests & Autistic Friendships: Why Passion Creates Connection

If you’ve ever watched your child light up when talking about a favorite animal, video game, historical fact, or object of fascination—you’ve seen the power of a special interest.

For many autistic children, special interests are more than hobbies. They’re a source of joy, comfort, and confidence. And—maybe most importantly—they can be a powerful bridge to connection with others.

How special interests support connection

Autistic friendships often don’t follow typical “small talk” social rules. Instead of chatting about general topics, autistic kids may connect more deeply through shared passions. A child who loves trains might find real joy in another kid who listens, asks questions, or shares their excitement—even if they don’t love trains themselves.

When adults understand and honor these interests, we give kids more opportunities to connect in ways that feel real and safe for them.

Why we shouldn’t discourage special interests

Sometimes adults feel unsure about how much time a child spends talking or thinking about one topic. But here’s the truth: special interests are regulating, meaningful, and help kids make sense of the world. They’re often where a child feels most confident—and that confidence can fuel growth in other areas, too.

When we try to limit, redirect, or shut down a special interest, even with good intentions, it can feel like we’re asking the child to stop being themselves. Instead of discouraging it, we can gently expand on it, join in, and explore where it might take us.

Let’s reframe the goal

Rather than teaching kids to “play like everyone else,” we can help create environments where their passions are welcome. This is often where true friendships begin.

At Hana Speech Therapy, we use special interests as a starting point—not a side note. Because when a child feels understood, they’re far more likely to open up, explore, and connect—with others and themselves.