Autism at Magill School

The Importance of Autistic Passions and Interests

At a recent staff meeting I spoke to staff about the importance of recognising and using the interests and passions of our students with Autism within the classroom environment.

All children have interests and hobbies that help them feel enriched, motivated and involved. Autistic children may become deeply fascinated and detail oriented with a particular interest. They can often focus intently and learn a lot of things about their particular interest. Communicating about an interest is a great way of connecting with an autistic child. Autistic children may communicate in different ways about their particular passions and interests.

One way is referred to as infodumping. This is when they share an excessive amount of information about a specific topic or experience, going into great detail. They will usually speak excitedly and rapidly with minimal pauses. When a child brings up their interest or starts to infodump, try your best not to dismiss them. Instead, work out ways together that they can explore their interests. This is vital for their wellbeing and could even shape their careers!

Another way Autistic children may communicate is through what is referred to as Penguin Pebbling. Penguin Pebbling is a small exchange between two people to show they care and want to build a connection. Spontaneously giving gifts or sharing information can be one way to build that connection. This is their way of showing you that they trust you and feel seen and heard by you. To return the pebble reinforces that connection, by continuing the conversation about the topic, showing them a photo, or sharing your connection with the topic in some way. Penguin pebbling gets it’s name from the behaviour of penguins, who exchange pebbles to show they care for one another.

With Kindness,

Lisa Williams

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