Creating a Life Around Your Special Interests

Bridgette Hamstead

For many of us, special interests are not just hobbies or passing fascinations. They are core to how we engage with the world, process information, and find joy. Special interests bring structure and meaning to our lives, providing a sense of purpose that extends beyond simple entertainment. They help us navigate difficult times, serve as a refuge when the world feels overwhelming, and allow us to express ourselves in ways that words often cannot. Despite this, society tends to devalue intense passions unless they fit within a certain mold—unless they can be monetized, turned into a career, or easily understood by others. But the reality is that special interests are inherently valuable, and when we shape our lives around them, we create opportunities for fulfillment, stability, and personal growth.

One of the biggest misconceptions about special interests is that they are unproductive or self-indulgent. Many of us have been told that we spend too much time on a single topic or that we should "broaden our interests" to be more well-rounded. These messages can be discouraging, making us feel like our natural ways of engaging with the world are wrong or excessive. But for neurodivergent people, special interests are often a fundamental part of who we are. They allow us to develop expertise, sharpen our skills, and make sense of the world in ways that feel natural to us. Rather than suppressing or minimizing them, we should explore how to integrate them more fully into our lives.

One way to do this is by incorporating special interests into our careers. Many of us have found that when we are passionate about a subject, we can dedicate ourselves to it in ways that others may not. This makes us excellent researchers, creators, educators, and specialists in our chosen fields. Some of us are able to turn our special interests into full-time careers, whether through traditional employment or self-employment. Others may find ways to incorporate their passions into side projects, advocacy work, or volunteer opportunities. While not every special interest can be monetized or turned into a job, finding ways to incorporate it into our work life can provide a sense of fulfillment that traditional career paths often lack.

For those of us who struggle with workplace expectations or have difficulty maintaining traditional jobs due to executive dysfunction, sensory sensitivities, or burnout, structuring a life around special interests can offer an alternative path. Some of us thrive in academic settings where we can research and teach about our interests. Others do well in creative fields where we can produce content, art, music, or stories inspired by our passions. The key is recognizing that success does not have to follow a conventional model. A meaningful life is not defined by how well we fit into standard workplace structures, but by how well we align our lives with what brings us joy and purpose.

Beyond work, special interests can also be the foundation of our social lives. Many of us struggle with traditional socializing, especially in unstructured environments where small talk and casual interactions dominate. But when we connect with others through shared interests, conversation flows more naturally, and relationships feel easier to maintain. Whether through online communities, local groups, or friendships built around mutual passion, special interests provide a bridge to connection that does not rely on conventional social norms. Some of us find that our closest friendships are built through fandoms, hobby groups, or professional networks related to our interests. These relationships feel different because they are based on genuine enthusiasm rather than social obligation.

Structuring our daily lives around special interests can also improve mental health and well-being. Engaging in something we love provides a natural way to regulate emotions, reduce anxiety, and create stability. When the world feels overwhelming, our interests offer a sense of control and predictability. They give us something to look forward to, something that feels consistent even when everything else is uncertain. This is especially important for those of us who experience burnout, executive dysfunction, or difficulty with transitions. Having a routine that incorporates our passions—whether through reading, writing, collecting, building, or learning—can serve as an anchor that keeps us grounded.

For some of us, special interests evolve over time, shifting as we grow and change. Others have lifelong passions that remain consistent throughout our lives. There is no right or wrong way to experience special interests. What matters is that we allow ourselves the freedom to explore them without shame or self-doubt. Society often values broad, general knowledge over deep, specialized expertise, but our way of engaging with the world is just as valid. Our ability to hyperfocus, research intensely, and develop in-depth knowledge should be seen as a strength rather than a limitation.

Creating a life around special interests is ultimately about self-acceptance. It is about rejecting the idea that we need to suppress what makes us happy in order to fit into neurotypical expectations of success and productivity. It is about recognizing that our passions are not just hobbies, but fundamental parts of who we are. Whether we incorporate them into our careers, our relationships, our routines, or simply our personal enjoyment, they are worth prioritizing. A fulfilling life is not about what others think we should be doing, but about embracing what truly makes us feel alive.

Suggestions for Creating a Life Around Your Special Interests

1. Find Ways to Integrate Your Special Interests Into Your Work
   If your special interest aligns with a professional field, consider careers, freelance work, or academic paths that allow you to engage with it regularly. Even if it is not your full-time job, look for ways to incorporate your passion into your work life, such as side projects, volunteering, or professional development.

2. Join or Create Communities Around Your Interests
   Seek out online forums, local groups, or social media communities where others share your enthusiasm. If an existing group does not fit your needs, consider starting your own. Engaging with like-minded people makes special interests feel even more fulfilling.

3. Incorporate Your Interests Into Your Daily Routine
   Set aside time each day or week to engage with your special interest, whether it is reading, researching, creating, or practicing a skill. Building it into your routine makes it a consistent source of joy and stability.

4. Use Special Interests as a Coping Mechanism
   Lean into your interests as a tool for emotional regulation, stress relief, and managing burnout. When life feels overwhelming, immersing yourself in something familiar and engaging can help ground you.

5. Find Creative Ways to Share Your Passion
   If you love talking about your special interest, consider writing a blog, making videos, starting a podcast, or info-dumping in a supportive space. Sharing your knowledge can help you connect with others and deepen your own understanding.

6. Let Yourself Explore Without Pressure to Be Productive
   Not every special interest needs to be monetized or turned into a career. Give yourself permission to enjoy your passions simply for the sake of joy, learning, and curiosity, without the expectation of productivity or external validation.

7. Adapt Your Social Life to Include Special Interests
   If traditional socializing is difficult, focus on building friendships through shared interests. Host themed gatherings, play games, discuss books or media, or engage in parallel play with others who appreciate your interests.

8. Keep a List of Interests and Resources
   If you cycle through different special interests, keep a log of books, articles, projects, and ideas so you can return to them when they resurface. Having a structured way to revisit past passions can make transitioning between them easier.

9. Normalize Info-Dumping in Your Relationships
   Find friends, partners, or online spaces where you can share your interests without fear of judgment. Being able to talk freely about your passions is a form of connection and self-expression.

10. Embrace the Depth of Your Knowledge
    Your ability to hyperfocus and dive deep into a topic is a strength. Whether it is expertise in an academic field, in-depth knowledge of a niche topic, or a lifelong fascination, recognize that your way of engaging with the world is valuable and meaningful.

Career and Project Suggestions Based on Special Interests

If You Love Writing and Research

• Academic or independent research in your area of interest

• Blogging, journalism, or freelance writing about your passion

• Technical writing, grant writing, or content creation for organizations

• Creating a book, zine, or newsletter on your special interest

• Hosting a podcast or YouTube channel sharing your knowledge

• Becoming a librarian, archivist, or museum researcher

If You Love Art, Design, or Creativity

• Illustration, painting, or digital art focused on your special interest

• Graphic design, animation, or video editing related to your passion

• Costume or fashion design based on themes you love

• Creating and selling artwork, merchandise, or handmade crafts

• Designing educational resources, comics, or visual guides on your topic

• Restoring, preserving, or researching historical art and artifacts

If You Love Science, Math, or Technology

• Researching and working in a STEM field related to your passion

• Teaching, tutoring, or creating educational materials in science or math

• Software development, coding, or game design connected to your interests

• Astronomy, robotics, engineering, or physics research

• Running a science-focused social media account or blog

• Collecting and analyzing data in an area you love

If You Love History, Culture, or Languages

• Becoming a historian, archaeologist, or museum curator

• Writing historical fiction or researching niche historical topics

• Learning, teaching, or translating languages

• Creating documentaries, podcasts, or research articles

• Working in genealogy, archives, or historic preservation

• Leading tours or lectures on historical and cultural topics

If You Love Nature, Animals, or the Environment

• Working in conservation, botany, or environmental science

• Becoming a wildlife photographer, educator, or advocate

• Studying and caring for animals as a veterinarian, zookeeper, or researcher

• Starting a garden, farm, or nature-focused business

• Writing about climate science, sustainability, or wildlife

• Organizing community environmental projects and advocacy

If You Love Media, Pop Culture, or Storytelling

• Writing fanfiction, scripts, or original stories about your special interests

• Becoming a film critic, pop culture analyst, or media journalist

• Creating YouTube content, video essays, or a podcast on your favorite topics

• Working in publishing, editing, or as a literary agent

• Designing games, RPGs, or interactive stories

• Starting a blog, book club, or discussion group about media

If You Love Teaching, Advocacy, or Helping Others

• Teaching or mentoring in your area of expertise

• Providing neurodiversity-affirming support for students or adults

• Working in social work, psychology, or counseling

• Leading workshops or speaking engagements on neurodivergent topics

• Creating accessible resources for autistic and ADHD communities

• Becoming a coach, therapist, or advocate for marginalized groups

If You Love Organizing, Collecting, or Systems

• Cataloging and archiving data, books, or historical materials

• Creating databases, resource guides, or structured educational content

• Working in logistics, research, or information management

• Designing and managing organization systems for individuals or businesses

• Restoring, repairing, or curating vintage collections

• Turning an interest in collections into a small business (reselling, curation, history documentation)