The DOI matches its Crossref record; 40 of the 42 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.
Understanding Differences in Neurotypical and Autism Spectrum Special Interests Through Internet Forums
Abstract
Special interests are frequently developed by individuals with autism spectrum disorder, expressed as an intense focus on specific topics. Neurotypical individuals also develop special interests, often in the form of hobbies. Although past research has focused on special interests held by children with autism spectrum disorder, little is known about their role in adulthood. The current study investigated differences in the content, number, and specificity of the special interests held by adult individuals with autism spectrum disorder and neurotypical individuals, using Internet discussion forums as a data source. Quantitative analysis of forum posts revealed significant differences between the diagnostic groups. Individuals with autism spectrum disorder reported having more interests in systemizing domains, more specific interests, and a greater number of interests overall than neurotypical individuals. Understanding special interests can lead to the development of educational and therapeutic programs that facilitate the acquirement of other important social and communication skills.
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“Cognitive differences in autism may underlie significant strengths”
From Autistic Cognition: Charting Routes to Anxiety (2021) · cites this paper as [2]
Citations
Cites
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Cited by
Sorted by citations
Enhancing the Validity of a Quality of Life Measure for Autistic People
McConachie, H., Mason, D., Parr, J. R., Garland, D., Wilson, C., & Rodgers, J. (2018) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-017-3402-z · Cited by 245
Sasson, N. J., & Touchstone, E. W. (2013) · Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders · doi:10.1007/s10803-013-1910-z · Cited by 208
What Is Autistic Burnout? A Thematic Analysis of Posts on Two Online Platforms
Mantzalas, J., Richdale, A. L., Adikari, A., Lowe, J., & Dissanayake, C. (2021) · Autism in Adulthood · doi:10.1089/aut.2021.0021 · Cited by 211
Characterization and Utilization of Preferred Interests: A Survey of Adults on the Autism Spectrum
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Gillespie-Lynch, K., Kapp, S. K., Shane-Simpson, C., Smith, D. S., & Hutman, T. (2014) · Intellectual and developmental disabilities · doi:10.1352/1934-9556-52.6.456 · Cited by 182
Metadata
- Authors
- Jordan, C. J., & Caldwell-Harris, C. L.
- Affiliations
- Boston University (US)
- Department of Psychology, Boston University
- Venue
- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Published
- 2012-10-01
- Volume
- 50
- Issue
- 5
- Pages
- 391-402
- ISSN
- 1934-9491 (ISSN-L)
- 1934-9556
- OpenAlex
- W1995464627
- Cited by
- 101
- References
- 42
- Citations by year
- 2026: 2 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 10 · 2023: 9 · 2022: 8 · 2021: 12 · 2020: 9 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 8 · 2017: 8 · 2016: 4 · 2015: 10 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 4
- FWCI
- 3.44
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Intellectual and developmental disabilities (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
- Health Sciences › Medicine › Psychiatry and Mental health › Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues
- Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Psychological and Educational Research Studies
- Keywords
- autism spectrum disorder, interest groups, neurotypical individuals, autistic adults, hobbies, online forums, diagnostic differences, social and communication skills
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Adult, Aged, Child, Child Development Disorders, Pervasive, Female, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Internet, Asperger Syndrome, Comprehension, Social Networking
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