Systemizing and special interests: Characterizing the continuum from neurotypical to autism spectrum disorder

• An online survey examined special interests in neurotypical (NT) and ASD adults.
• ASD individuals reported more intense interests in systemizable domains than NT.
• Systemizable domain interests correlated with systemizing ability for ASD and NT.
• Gender differences in interest intensity were observed in the ASD but not in the NT group.
• Our continuum model of ASD and NT interests is consistent with educators' emphasis on teaching towards students' strengths.

Special interests have been studied in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but not in adults. Using an online survey, it was found that individuals with ASD reported more intense interests in systemizable domains, relative to neurotypical adults. Self-reported systemizing preference was correlated with intensity of interest in systemizable domains both for those with ASD and for neurotypical young adults. Few gender differences were found in the neurotypical group in the expected categories of machines, technology and vehicles, where gender differences have been found in children. Gender differences in these categories did appear for the ASD group. We propose a strength-based model of special interests, with the hobbies of neurotypical forming a continuum with the special interests of ASD.