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Autism can manifest in individuals differently.
Some will experience mental health problems, like depression and anxiety.
Others may exhibit more physical symptoms, such as stimming, which is repeating a certain action like clasping their fingers together.
Others will experience hyperfixation, which may not come across as a significant symptom but is also important still be examined carefully.
What is Hyperfixation?
Autistic hyperfixation is the act of focusing on one thing deeply for an extended period of time.
They struggle to focus on multiple subjects at the same time.
As such, they become fully immersed in a topic.
A struggle to focus on multiple subjects at the same time
A great deal of learning and productivity can occur during one of these bouts.
It may even help a child excel at school.
However, other tasks, such as bathing and eating, may take a backseat because the person can’t focus on anything else.
Hyperfixation Examples
Many tasks can become the subject of one’s hyperfixation.
Autism hyperfixation examples may include watching television, making crafts, or playing video games.
A person may also take an interest in a singular subject, like outer-space or trains, and read books solely about that subject.
Autism hyperfixation examples may include watching television, making crafts, or playing video games.
Practically anything can become the subject of hyperfixation.
While those without autism may be able to play a video game for only a couple of hours, hyperfixation may cause one to spend an entire day doing nothing but that.
Hyperfixation vs Hyperfocus
Hyperfixation and hyperfocus are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference between the two.
Hyperfixation is often caused by an intense passion for a certain activity.
Meanwhile, hyperfocus is more task-driven and comes with clearer goals.
Hyperfixation more often occurs in those with autism or ADHD.
Hyperfixation is often caused by an intense passion for a certain activity. Meanwhile, hyperfocus is more task-driven and comes with clearer goals.
In contrast, many people can tap into hyperfocus, dealing with a task for a prolonged span of time until it’s accomplished.
Hyperfocus usually comes to a natural end while hyperfixation can take over someone’s day.
Autistic Hyperfixation
It’s natural to have interests and hobbies.
However, autistic hyperfixation is often used as a coping mechanism.
Additionally, when a person taps into hyperfocus, they move on after a task is completed.
However, hyperfixation can lead to a person losing track of time, missing important engagements due to their obsession.
They may also experience anxiety switching activities, ignore personal needs, or become detached from their surroundings.
Hyperfixation FAQs
Is Hyperfixation a Symptom of Autism?
Autism exists on a spectrum.
That means it doesn’t occur to everyone in the same way.
Each individual with autism may experience different symptoms of autism.
Additionally, neurotypical people can experience hyperfixation.
In addition to being more common in people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), individuals with ADHD, OCD, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and depression may also go through this.
Do People With ASD Hyperfixate?
Not everyone with ASD hyperfixates.
However, it is more likely to occur in individuals with the diagnosis.
While it typically relates to a person doing a task, like playing video games, it may also refer to a person needing to use a specific item, like using the same washcloth even when it’s dirty when clean ones are available.
Is Hyperfixation Only for Neurodivergent Individuals?
Hyperfixation is not exclusive to neurodivergent people.
Neurotypical individuals may also experience certain signs of it.
Plenty of people without an autism diagnosis can probably relate to becoming consumed by a given task for an extended period of time.
However, neurotypical people may have an easier time breaking out of a hyperfixated state and moving onto something else.
What Does Autistic Hyperfixation Look Like?
Hyperfixation can look vastly different depending on the person.
Some may binge-eat every day while others play video games every hour they’re awake.
They may also watch the same TV show over and over again because they relate to the main character.
Is Hyperfocus a Symptom of ASD?
Hyperfocus is typically milder than hyperfixation, and it’s also more likely to occur in people with ASD.
Those with high functioning autism may deal with symptoms more closely related to hyperfocus where they can more easily move on to another task once they’ve completed the first.
