Special interest

The 2021 S3 guideline treated repetitive behaviour, particular interests and unusual reactions to sensory stimuli as a target symptom of its own. ^{[1, Ch. C.1]} Its recommendations did not relate to every repetitive behaviour, but to disruptive repetitive behaviour, disruptive particular interests and sensory hyper- or hyporeactivity: that is, to situations in which they burden everyday life. ^{[1, Rec. 23]}

Methods involving direct punishment or coercive measures should never be used. ^{[1, Rec. 30]} The guideline expired on 23.03.2026. ^[2]

In an online survey of 182 adults in Berlin (60 people on the autism spectrum), people on the spectrum more often said they use interests to cope with negative feelings and to gain knowledge, and reported clearly more stigma than the comparison group; it is a single, small study. ^[3]

For context: “Spezialinteresse” (special interest) is a common term (also “Sonderinteresse”, particular interest). Recurring, not very flexible interests are part of the description of autism; an interest only becomes a topic for support when it burdens everyday life.

Sources and literature

1. DGKJP/DGPPN et al.: Autismus-Spektrum-Störungen im Kindes-, Jugend- und Erwachsenenalter, Teil 2: Therapie. Interdisziplinäre S3-Leitlinie, AWMF-Reg.-Nr. 028-047, Langversion, Stand Text 02.05.2021. https://register.awmf.org/assets/guidelines/028-047l_S3_Autismus-Spektrum-Stoerungen-Kindes-Jugend-Erwachsenenalter-Therapie_2021-04_1.pdf
2. DGKJP: Aktuelle Leitlinien (Übersicht mit AWMF-Registernummer und Gültigkeitsdatum). https://www.dgkjp.de/wissen/aktuelle-leitlinien/
3. Bayer M, Dziobek I: Special Interests in Autism: Functions, Benefits, and Challenges. Autism 2026 (online 06.08.2026). https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261471572 (Open Access, Europe PMC PMC13624314)