Episode 5 – Not Just a Hobby: Understanding Autistic Special Interests

To some, they’re just hobbies. To us, they’re lifelines.

In this episode, we explore autistic special interests—the deep passions that often define our focus, bring us joy, and help us make sense of the world. Far from being “obsessions” or distractions, special interests are a powerful part of the autistic experience. We discuss how they’ve impacted our lives, shaped our identities, and provided comfort through chaos. Whether your interest is music, airplanes, history, or something wonderfully niche, this episode is a celebration and validation of the things that light us up.

Show Notes

2:05 DSM05 https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm

20:50 Runway DFW https://www.youtube.com/@RunwayDFW

20:52 Airline Videos Live https://www.youtube.com/@AIRLINEVIDEOS

25:28 The Martian https://a.co/d/3ODrIVc

25:54 FDR and Churchill book https://a.co/d/90aZRLW

34:00 FlightRadar24 https://www.flightradar24.com/

46:06 Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by: Devon Price PhD https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688819/unmasking-autism-by-devon-price-phd/

Credits

Executive Producer: Keith Holloway

Co-Executive Producer: Bridget Holloway

Hosts: Keith and Bridget Holloway

Produced & Edited by: Keith Holloway

Theme Music: "Paradise Found" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Logo Design: Nathan McConnell (Growing up Autie) https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie

A Dispatch Central Production © 2025

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Video Recording: Panasonic HC-WX991: https://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/camcorders/consumer-camcorders/hc-wxf991k

Editing and Production Software: PowerDirecteor 365 https://www.cyberlink.com/products/po...

Audio Recording and Editing Software: Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/

Disclaimers

This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition. The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique. Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised. We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback. This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.