If you experience hyperfixation, you may be able to relate to one or many of these situational examples: You’re completely engrossed in your work. My hyperfixations usually last around 1-6 months. Hyperfixation is a phenomenon often May 6, 2024 · Hyperfixation in Autism. Autor de la entrada: Publicación de la entrada: octubre 24, 2022; Categoría de la entrada: subhanallah, alhamdulillah allahu akbar after salah; Comentarios de la entrada: Some people with autism may show intense interest in specific topics, which is sometimes called hyperfixation. This isn’t intentional it’s just at the forefront of their mind. People who perseverate often say the same thing or behave in the same way over and over again. Neurodivergence means having a brain that functions in ways that diverge from the dominant societal norms. i have no other Hyperfixation is defined as a complete obsession with or absorption into a particular task, such as a hobby, a TV show, or a subject of interest. Hyperfixation is also a term used in ADHD, they are related conditions and this is one of the overlapping areas. You spend hours outside of work, always strategizing and finishing more work. You may have heard the term in regard to autism, but it can affect others, too. An autistic kid will watch it, memorise every line or their favourite parts. Acknowledge the problem. These interests can be narrow and quite focused on certain topics, subjects, and hobbies. It feels like they just don’t care. This could range from playing video games, engaging in a field of Fixation, or hyper-focusing on a specific interest, is a recognized feature of autism. it’s almost all that i think about— all that i focus on. For example, if a child is hyperfixated on a particular May 15, 2023 · Read More: 5 Hyperfixation Examples in Kids Recognizing Autism Hyperfixation in Kids. Jun 30, 2022 · Although hyperfixation is not a diagnosable mental health condition, it can be a characteristic of several different disorders, including autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is commonly observed in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it can also occur in neurotypical individuals. And my hyperfixation right now is Perseveration is when someone “gets stuck” on a topic or an idea. g. OCD, however, is not itself a symptom of autism. Hyperfixation is a persistent focus on a particular activity, object, or idea. Someone who really enjoys a book series simply enjoys the book series. In individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hyperfixation is a common phenomenon. Hyperfixation, commonly seen in individuals with autism or ADHD, is driven by intense passion for a specific activity, topic, item, or person. Special interest (autism) Special interests are highly focused interests common in autistic people. Hyperfixation is defined as a state of intense absorption in a task or activity, often closely tied to an individual's interests or passions. What are your special interests? I have a few special interests, I invest so much time in researching them, Analog television, film logos, and weirdly, A Clockwork Orange (both movie and book) But as much time i put into them Sometimes my hyperfixation are short and just last for a week or so, and sometimes they’re long and go on for months. It was not a good time, because I was literally basing my entire life off of Sylvia Plath. Hyperfocus is most often mentioned in the context of autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but research into its effect on The difference lies in the fact that a special interest is an object of your attention, and a hyperfixation is the time you consume. autism hyperfixation examples. This intense focus often causes individuals to ignore important responsibilities and the world around them. I think I have hyperfixation. Pediatric neuropsychologists: Diagnose autism and common issues that may co-occur, such as anxiety and ADHD. Noteworthy characteristics of hyperfixation include: Sep 16, 2022 · An ASD diagnosis is associated with elevated ADHD traits and symptoms, as well as strengths in attention. ADHD hyperfixation can be positive, but neglecting other responsibilities can lead to social, academic, May 6, 2024 · Hyperfixation refers to the intense focus and preoccupation that individuals with autism may exhibit toward specific subjects or activities. I’ve been having hyperfixations my whole life, and i’ve only just recently been diagnosed/confirmed with Autism, so I’m very confused and have lots of questions. Hyperfixations are the moments of the Autism hyperfixation is defined as an intense state of concentration and focus, where individuals become fully immersed in a particular subject, losing track of other day-to-day activities. One causes extreme, even debilitating distress, while the other typically offers joy and purpose. This daily lack of reward takes a toll on your wellbeing and when your mind is rewarded by an activity Hyperfixation is a clinical term used to describe an intense focus on a specific topic, activity, item, or person to the point that other things are ignored. Schedule out your time. These terms are often used positively and as states to aspire to. Within the sphere of neurodivergent conditions, hyperfixation, an intense, all-consuming interest or obsession with a particular subject or activity, is often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Engage in a mindfulness practice to enhance concentration, reduce anxiety, and regain control over thoughts and emotions. Jun 28, 2022 · Importance in Engineering and Technology. Combined, all of these can lead to if feeling like a hyperfocused child ignores the rest of the family – including you. Signs include losing track of time, neglecting needs, and difficulty shifting attention. One of the key strategies for managing hyperfixation in autism is to incorporate the subject of hyperfixation into learning and daily activities. A hyperfixation can: Be more than an interest; a hyperfixation is something that takes up a significant amount of time in someone’s day and is something that they are Autism News Feb 09. While typically associated with ADHD and autism, people with mental illness may also experience hyperfixation. It is commonly experienced by individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and can have both benefits and challenges. For example, Steve Jobs and Elon Musk, both diagnosed with autism, have attributed their success in part to their ability to intensely focus on a particular topic or activity. Perhaps spiralling out of control would be a better way to describe it. Sometimes I even hyperfixate on my own fictional characters. Some also refer to this behavior as hyperfocus or having a special interest. Hello, I'm an educator who works with kids on the spectrum one on one throughout the day. It happens when your brain gets more information from your senses than it can process. Hyperfixation Examples and Signs. Then move on to another… For example, my special interests are drawing, writing, learning about how things work and animals. [1] Special interests are more intense than typical interests, such as hobbies, [2] and may take up much of a person's free time. Infodumping is a person’s tendency to share incredibly detailed information about a topic of interest or hyperfixation, often all at once in a mostly one-sided conversation. Jan 11, 2024 · A 2020 study found that hyperfocus was experienced by adults with and without ADHD, though there was a positive correlation with traits often found in those with ADHD. Hyperfixation in Autism. Those with ADHD may spend hours interacting with a topic without realizing how much time has passed. It is a common experience for many people, including those with ADHD, autism, schizophrenia, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Feb 2, 2024 · A hyperfixation can be an object, person, place, or thing (abstract or real) that someone spends a lot of time devoted to understanding, exploring, and learning about. While special interests and hyperfixation can overlap, hyperfixation tends to be more extreme and all-consuming. Special interests tend to remain for a long time, a lot of times years. According to, hyper fixation can last for years, unlike hyperfocus, where a person shifts their focus after completing a specific task. Hyperfixation is one of the many ways in which autism can manifest. This For example, Dr. Apr 12, 2024 · Key Takeaways: Hyperfixation is an intense focus on a topic, both beneficial for deep exploration and detrimental by neglecting other aspects of life. Other notable figures, such as Isaac Newton and Thomas Jefferson, have also exhibited characteristics of hyperfixation, which may have contributed to their achievements. These fixations can provide comfort, predictability, and a sense of control in their lives. Both can change. Oct 25, 2023 · Furthermore, certain pleasurable activities, such as video games, can create hyperfixation in people with ADHD, because these activities are stimulating to the brain . It is common among those with ADHD but can also appear with other mental health conditions such as autism spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While hyperfocus and hyperfixation are separate concepts, they can often occur hand-in-hand. Benefits of Hyperfixation. Here are some common indicators to look for: Exceptional knowledge in a specific area: Your child may have an impressive level of understanding and expertise in their chosen Apr 19, 2024 · Autism Hyperfixation Examples Common examples of autism hyperfixations can include doing crafts, watching television, or playing video games. Examples of hyperfixation. Neurodivergent people have a great amount of skills to offer the field of science and technology. It is normal to admire or like someone, whether a friend, crush, or celebrity. Being able to recognize the signs of autism hyperfixation in your children is crucial. It involves a deep and persistent level of concentration that can result in overlooking or neglecting anything unrelated to the hyperfixation [1]. Individuals with Autism often exhibit this intense focus on specific subjects or activities, displaying an interest level that may seem like an obsession. Jul 19, 2023 · Echolalia is the precise repetition (echoing out loud) of words and sounds. And when that hyperfixation “ends” I have no motivation to start/do the thing I had MYTH 1: Autistic people don’t feel emotions or empathy towards others. Monotropism is a term coined by Dinah Murray (1992) to describe an orientation of attention that focuses on a narrow range of interests. But they can get stuck on their emotions, actions, and thoughts, too. The timeline for hyperfixation can also The foods people hyperfixate on tend to be more palatable foods, like candy and junk food, as well as comfort and convenience foods that are easy to prepare, such as prepackaged and frozen meals It is different from hyperfocus, which involves intense, short-term concentration on tasks. Individuals with ADHD may find solace and relaxation in these immersive Hyperfixation is commonly associated with neurodivergent conditions such as ADHD and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but it can also occur in neurotypical individuals [1]. Hyperfixation is a phenomenon often observed in individuals with autism, characterized by an intense, all-consuming interest or obsession in a particular subject or activity. And they do it past the point Apr 27, 2020 · Two major core aspects of autism are repetitive behaviors and restricted interests. It is a natural expression of their interests and passions. It's a phenomenon common among individuals with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), as well as those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) [1]. Ignoring the rest of the family. This intense focus can lead to deep knowledge acquisition, skill development, and the emergence of unique strengths and expertise. People who are experiencing sensory overload may feel irritable, anxious, or emotional. Sep 11, 2023 · Autism is often associated with intense focus and attention to detail. May 7, 2024 · Hyperfixation is a clinical term for an intense focus on a specific topic, activity, item, or person to the point that other things are ignored [1]. If your hyperfocused child is having a negative impact on you and the rest of the family, it’s appropriate to talk about it with them. Hyperfocus, a common — but confusing — symptom of ADHD, is the ability to zero in intensely on an interesting project or activity for hours at a time. Keep reading to learn what a hyperfixation is, what an obsession is, and what the differences are Feb 13, 2024 · Hyperfixation is more commonly found in neurodivergent people. Fixations, along with other features or symptoms of autism like repetitive behaviors and cognitive inflexibility, may appear from the outside to be symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). People with autism may develop intense obsessions or fixations on specific topics, objects, or activities. While anyone can experience it, food hyperfixation is more common among individuals with ADHD and/or autism. They use a lot of time and energy. 11. Echolalia can be a symptom of aphasia, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and schizophrenia, but it is most often associated with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Outside of autism Definition of Hyperfixation. First things first: It is important to realize that hyperfixation goes beyond a strong admiration for an individual or intense focus. This can include hobbies, book or movie series, fields of study, or Jan 27, 2024 · Hyperfixation in teenagers and young adults is a prevalent phenomenon often associated with underlying conditions such as ADHD, autism, and depression. A hyperfixation can: Be more than an interest; a hyperfixation is something that takes up a significant amount of time in someone’s day and is something that they are Feb 7, 2024 · ritualized and repetitive thinking, routines, or behaviors. So, it is a coping mechanism for people suffering from anxiety disorders, depression, and autism. Younger children with autism might become hyperfixated with certain TV characters, specific toys, or unusual objects like shoes or rocks. Thanks! I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Many people in the autistic community consider Mar 20, 2023 · ADHD hyperfixation can be challenging to control and regulate. I have 3 students who I primarily work with lately. Sep 25, 2023 · Hyperfixation. It's less of an interest in terms of learning, and more an interest in terms of consuming. Oct 27, 2023 · Read More About Hyperfixation vs Hyperfocus: ADHD, Autism, and Mental Illness. They may show their emotions and empathy in different ways, however autistic people do experience empathy and feel emotions intensely. Diagnose other issues that may co-occur with autism, including ADHD. Feb 21, 2023 · Someone with autism might develop an oral fixation for many reasons, including: Medical: easing pain, alleviating discomfort. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns. it’s so strong that i can hardly motivate myself to do anything that doesn’t relate to it. It was healthy and I could explore that special interest without feeling bad. Hyperfixation, while often perceived negatively, can present significant benefits, especially in individuals with autism. Our rules can be found here. They will research their favourite character and possibly even take on traits of them. Some potential methods include mindfulness Apr 24, 2024 · Hyperfixation refers to an intense and prolonged interest or obsession with a certain activity, subject, or person. An alternative might involve writing a 'worst-case scenario coping plan'). This is known as 'stimming' or self-stimulating behaviour. when i can’t indulge with anything related to it, i daydream about it. Hyperfixation can have both positive and negative impacts on individuals, depending on . In simple terms, this means that people with ADHD, autism or OCD (Obsessive-compulsive disorder) are more prone to hyperfixation. Hyperfixation can strain relationships, decrease productivity, and impact well-being, so recognizing and For example, I could have an interest in a show, and be completely OBSESSED with it. , hyperfocus), in contrast with positive portrayals in the typically developing population (e. Characteristics of Hyperfixation Oct 26, 2022 · For example, if hyperfixation is about preparing for adverse events, consider how else you can be ready for these outcomes. FACT: Autistic people can be extremely caring. Understanding how hyperfixation manifests in autism and its impacts can be crucial in providing appropriate support. Provide cognitive behavioral therapy to help with emotional issues related to autism. This concentration can manifest in various ways, but it is often more prevalent and pronounced in individuals on the autism spectrum [1]. However, they are quite different. May 6, 2024 · Hyperfixation refers to an intense and prolonged interest in or obsession with a certain activity, subject, or person. May 28, 2021 · The second kind is known as a hyperfixation. It's common to hear of “flow states” and being “in the flow,” with the same characteristics of hyperfocus. It involves spending a significant amount of time thinking about, learning about, or engaging in a particular interest or pursuit [1]. The objective of this study was to (1) compare Hyperfixation refers to the intense focus and preoccupation that individuals with autism may exhibit toward specific subjects or activities. At the end of that period of time, the person usually stops being interested in the subject. The reasons behind it include: for enjoyment. Hyperfixation in Autism can lead to deep, detailed knowledge and skills in the area of fixation. May also evaluate for learning differences. Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior. Nearly everyone experiences moments of hyperfixation at certain times in their lives, however it is much more common For example, for a couple months now I've been creating my own superhero world and figuring out how to take care of the problems I have issues with within comics. Often, sensory overload causes distress. It is the opposite of distractibility, and it is common among both children and adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Hey u/hyunniepot, thank you for your post at r/autism. May also prescribe medication as needed. Jun 15, 2023 · There is no one reason for hyperfixation in neurodivergent minds, but there are a few contributing factors: Reward seeking: ADHD leads to dysregulation of the reward system, which can make it extremely difficult to engage with certain tasks. It's characterized by an all-consuming interest or obsession in a particular subject or activity, which can pose challenges in shifting attention away, especially for individuals with Autism [2]. Definition of Hyperfixation Hyperfixation can be defined as a clinical term for an intense focus on a specific topic, activity, item, or person to the point that other things Take for example when I hyper fixated on Sylvia Plath for a while. This trait, known as hyperfocus, can manifest as a special interest or a hyperfixation in the context of autism. fixated interests that are highly intense or focused. For example, people with autism often have a higher interest in “systemizable” domains – things like political systems, languages, belief systems, technology, computers, and tons of other areas. Apr 25, 2024 · Individuals with Autism often exhibit hyperfixation on specific subjects or activities, which could range from playing video games, a particular book series, a type of animal, a field of study, or a specific task or routine. You can become hyperfixated on a hobby, interest, person, place, etc. Jan 31, 2023 · Because hyperfixation is particularly associated with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [4], autism, and OCD, we know that there is a greater likelihood of developing other mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and social isolation. , flow). It’s important to remember that OCD is a complex disorder with diverse manifestations, and individuals may experience a wide range of obsessions and Aug 23, 2018 · Hyperfixation is being completely immersed in something — whether it be a video game, movie/TV fandom culture or a hobby like crocheting. In the ASD literature, attentional strengths have been described as maladaptive (e. These activities can serve as a temporary escape from stress, anxiety, or overwhelming thoughts. Question. While episodes of hyperfixation can be common among those with ADHD, they also appear with other mental health conditions, such as autism spectrum disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Hyperfixation is a negative behavior: Hyperfixation is often viewed as an obsessive or unhealthy behavior. It involves spending a significant amount of time thinking about, learning about, or engaging in a particular interest or pursuit. Finally, you can engage in mental strategies that help you 'unhook' from the tendency to hyperfixate. 3 days ago · CPD article, ‘Everything You Need to Know About Autism Hyperfixation,’ provided by Autism Parenting Magazine, help families across the globe navigate challenges of the Autism Spectrum, Hyperfixation characterized by intense and short-term focus, can disrupt daily functioning, child’s hyperfixations Hyperfixation is commonly observed in individuals on the autism spectrum. ‘Hyperfocus’ is a phenomenon that reflects one’s complete absorption in a task, to a point where a person appears to completely ignore or ‘tune out’ everything else. an attempt to gain sensory input, eg rocking may be a way to Feb 23, 2023 · Food hyperfixation can be described as an intense and prolonged preoccupation with a particular food, usually described as the person's ' safe food '. Hyperfixation is not simply a strong interest in Question about Hyperfixations. One almost universal trait of autism is what is known as the ‘special interest’ or ‘hyperfixation’, as I prefer to call it. For example, a teenager with ADHD may hyperfixate on a specific video game, spending hours engrossed in gameplay to the detriment of other responsibilities. I am not sure if this is a coincidence but I have noticed all 3 of them have some kind of interest in babies crying and I was wondering if someone had some more insight on this. If you do not see your post you can message the moderators here. Mar 10, 2024 · These examples highlight how obsessions and compulsions related to hyperfixation might manifest in a hypothetical scenario where hyperfixation tendencies intersect with OCD-like symptoms. Photo by bady abbas on Unsplash Repetitive behaviour. That said In simple terms, hyperfixation refers to an intense and prolonged interest in or obsession with a certain activity, subject, or person. They will talk about their hyperfixation to the point of rudeness. Just an example, when the titan submersible was all over the news, I watched every single video I could find about it. Sometimes this can be annoying, or tedious for the recipient of the information, but it isn’t intended that way. In other words, hyperfixation Jan 16, 2024 · Hyperfixation is a common but lesser-known symptom of ADHD, referring to the tendency to focus almost too rigidly on specific preferred tasks and activities. In some cases, hyperfixation can also be a sign of an impending mental health crisis. When in the process of diagnosis, autistic people might be asked about topics, hobbies or interests that are particularly important to them, that are a refuge when feelings of stress are high, or all-consuming. On the other hand, with hyperfocus, you can deliberately induce a “flow state” and tap in and out of it as you wish. Generally, hyperfixation involves immersion in some sort of hobby or enjoyable activity . It’s widely believed that children with autism have a decreased interest for socializing and therefore seek out other interests. For example, a person who becomes hyperfocused on playing a new video game is also likely to hyperfixate. All approved posts get this message. Hyperfixation is a term used to describe the intense focus and concentration on a specific topic, activity, item, or person to the point where other things are ignored. This term is primarily used by people with ADHD, and describes interests that are all-consuming for a fairly short period of time, usually a few months at most. Please feel free to submit articles to enhance the knowledge, acceptance, understanding and research of Autism and ASD. Oct 25, 2023 · Hyperfixation is a long-lasting and intense focus on a task, and it often brings enjoyment and satisfaction . (2009) identified a strong familial pattern of intense preoccupations, but used the ADI-R for the children with ASD and the Modified Personality Assessment Scale–Revised (Tyrer, 1988) for their biological parents. Some of these examples of these special Mar 31, 2023 · Key points. It gets hard to focus on anything other than the object of your hyperfixation. Halpern pointed out, hyperfixation and special interests can help autistic people and those with ADHD self-regulate and instill positive emotions. I also have a host of movies and videogame ideas. Hyperfixation and hyperfocus are two different ideas described in more detail below. Repetitive behaviour may include arm or hand-flapping, finger-flicking, rocking, jumping, spinning or twirling, head-banging and complex body movements. Mighty contributor Alaura Filbin explained why Oct 18, 2022 · Autism special interests vs. What happens is I’ll get very interested in a topic and I’ll look up everything about the topic for weeks, maybe months but usually just a few weeks. i mean obsessed. During hyperfixation, the individual may lose track of time and become oblivious to their surroundings, engrossed solely in the task at hand. On the other hand, hyperfocus tends to be more task-driven with clearer goals and may be more universally accessible to different individuals [3]. Hyperfixation can be a positive or negative experience, depending on the context and the individual’s goals. Special interests are usually more broad, like butterflies. Monotropism is implicated in many aspects of Nov 13, 2023 · Here are six tips for how to stop hyperfixating on a person: 1. Although special interests and hyperfixations are used interchangeably in some parts of the neurodivergent community, they are not the same. My mental health declined RAPIDLY, and I started to think in aesthetics. A person with a special interest will often hyperfocus on their special interest for hours, want to learn as much as Aug 25, 2023 · Hyperfocus: The ADHD Phenomenon of Intense Fixation. Hyperfixations are more specific, like focusing on a specific type of butterfly. An example might be a person with autism who is obsessed with trains and knows everything about them, or someone who is a mathematics whiz and can complete complex arithmetic without a calculator. Hyperfixation is characterized by deep immersion in activities such as video games, hobbies, binge-watching TV shows, or engaging in creative pursuits like knitting or crafting. Examples Of Autism Hyperfixation. Hyperfixation in autism is characterized by intense and prolonged focus on specific topics or activities, often to the exclusion of other activities or topics. Echolalia is not always a self-calming tool for autistic kids, like rocking or hand-flapping tend to be For example, I spent a couple of years obsessed with geology, and that didn't feel so toxic. The difference between having an enjoyable interest and a hyperfixation/special interest is that hyperfixations are not all enjoyable. Mar 19, 2024 · Hyperfixation is an intense level of interest and focus towards something, to the point that a person starts to ignore or “tune out” anything else. You can hyperfixate for a long period of time over your special interest of ladybugs. When uncontrolled ADHD fixation happens, the individual may have an unhealthy obsession or addiction to a hobby, activity, or Dec 20, 2023 · On the surface, hyperfixations and obsessions have a couple things in common. Hyperfixations are defined as intense interests that can consume a significant amount of time, attention, and energy. May 7, 2024 · Incorporating Hyperfixation. These hyperfixations are more in terms of fictional worlds. The IS would allow using the same instrument to assess this domain in the Definition of Hyperfixation. This approach acknowledges the individual's intense interest and uses it as a tool for engagement and motivation. For example, substance abuse and sleep problems are also more common with people Nov 29, 2023 · Use mindfulness. Mar 8, 2022 · Hyperfixation happens when you’re completely engrossed by something, to the point where it becomes all-consuming and disrupts your day-to-day functioning. MYTH 2: Autistic people have an intellectual impairment. ADHD hyperfixations. altered reactivity to or interest in sensory experiences. Hyperfixation, on the other hand, denotes a prolonged, intense interest in hobbies or content [2]. Sep 20, 2019 · Abstract. Sensory: seeking texture and taste, overwhelming environment, sensory Aug 18, 2023 · Sensory overload occurs when one or more of the body's senses is overstimulated to a point where a person is unable to cope. Establish specific time blocks for hyperfixation to prevent it from eating up excessive time, ensuring a balanced day with varied activities. However, it is a kind of extreme fixation on a particular show, person, or thought. However, it is important to recognize that hyperfixation can bring joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose to individuals with autism. May 23, 2024 · Hyperfixation is a phenomenon that involves an intense and all-consuming interest or obsession in a specific subject or activity. Share post What is autism hyperfixation and how different is it from special interests? Learn about its strengths, challenges, and management For example, a recent compelling study by Smith et al. ojszhtvbdzqrmlzyfjhm