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monotropism.bsky.social
Monotropism.org
@monotropism.bsky.social
2.7K followers 610 following 89 posts
Monotropism is a theory of Autism developed by Autistic people, initially by Dinah Murray and Wenn Lawson.
Read about explanations and applications of the theory, its history, and what’s happening now on our website.
https://monotropism.org/
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monotropism.bsky.social
Monotropism.org @monotropism.bsky.social · Nov 16
Welcome. Nice to be here!
This account is intended to be a central resource for learning and sharing about monotropism.
We have an excellent website for everything monotropism related which also houses an archive of the work of Dr. Dinah Murray.
monotropism.org
Monotropism
the mind as an interest system
monotropism.org
monotropism.bsky.social
Just published!

Autism and Physical Disability
Dual Experiences, Challenges, and Inclusion Solutions
Author(s): Wenn B. Lawson

livedplacespublishing.com/book/isbn/97...

doi.org/10.62859/c.1...
Autism and Physical Disability
What does it mean to live at the intersection of autism, physical disability, trauma, and resilience? In Autism and Physical Disability, Wenn B. Lawson shares a deeply personal account of late-diagnos...
livedplacespublishing.com
November 28, 2025 at 9:11 AM
monotropism.bsky.social
For anyone interested in ADHD and especially its relation with autism, there has been a sustained discussion of ADHD & monotropism over on Hacker News today...

news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4601...
ADHD and monotropism (2023) | Hacker News
news.ycombinator.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
"The theory of monotropism frames the difference in cognitive functioning between autistic and non-autistic people in a value-neutral way. However, the broader autism literature has traditionally described focused interests in a negative light"
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
Focused Interests, Motivation, and Museum/Gallery Attendance – A Mixed-Methods Survey Exploring Autistic Adults’ Experiences and Wellbeing Outcomes - Sarah Dantas, Aimee Fletcher, 2025
Focused interests are characterised by high attention and focus, and are commonly experienced by autistic people. While some research frames these interests as ...
journals.sagepub.com
November 16, 2025 at 1:09 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
thrivingautistic.bsky.social
This is fabulous! Thank you for sharing!

"Creating spaces where autistic people can express their authentic selves and be valued can greatly improve their wellbeing....neurodiversity- affirming practice can encourage more inclusive research and revitalise clinical and therapeutic practice".
monotropism.bsky.social Monotropism.org @monotropism.bsky.social · 16d
'Neurodiversity-affirming autism assessment and support: a scoping review' includes monotropism in its table of important neurodiversity-affirming theoretical concepts, along with the social model of disability, double empathy, stimming, stigma and camouflaging.
helda.helsinki.fi/items/4e1849...
DSpace
helda.helsinki.fi
November 12, 2025 at 2:39 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
'Neurodiversity-affirming autism assessment and support: a scoping review' includes monotropism in its table of important neurodiversity-affirming theoretical concepts, along with the social model of disability, double empathy, stimming, stigma and camouflaging.
helda.helsinki.fi/items/4e1849...
DSpace
helda.helsinki.fi
November 12, 2025 at 12:09 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Sharing an upcoming publication with the chapter I co-authored with @fergus.oolong.co.uk

Embracing Monotropism and Flow

It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School
Ed. Rachael Davis @claruineill.bsky.social & @suereviews.bsky.social

www.routledge.com/It-Takes-All...
the image shows the cover of It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School, edited by Rachael Davis, Claire O’Neill, and Sue Fletcher-Watson. Beneath it is a section introducing the chapter: Chapter: Embracing Monotropism and Flow By Fergus Murray and Helen Edgar This chapter discusses the benefits of embracing the theory of monotropism (Murray et al., 2005) and the associated phenomenon of flow for Autistic and ADHD young people in educational settings. It highlights why reframing the narrative around autism is crucial. A deeper understanding of monotropism can support the wellbeing of young people and improve educational outcomes by creating radically inclusive learning environments and fostering collaborative approaches. Available for pre-order on December 5, 2025 https://www.routledge.com/It-Takes-All-Kinds-of-Minds-Fostering-Neurodivergent-Thriving-at-School/Davis-ONeill-Fletcher-Watson/p/book/9781032796222
November 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
bronaghm.bsky.social
I'm looking to create an advisory group for a project on Monotropism, an attention-based theory of autism and potentially ADHD. If you or anybody you know is interested, please fill out the form below. Thank you!

forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
A 15-minute monotropism explainer video from @autismfrominside.bsky.social: "Monotropism has its own strengths and challenges. In today’s video we’ll explore what it means, some of the pros and cons, and also talk about strategies to help you leverage your monotropic brain."
youtu.be/5p8BD73xXxI?...
Autism and Monotropism: How to Leverage Your Monotropic Brain
YouTube video by Autism From The Inside
youtu.be
October 24, 2025 at 8:45 AM
monotropism.bsky.social
Wenn Lawson, one of the originators of the theory, writes about Monotropism for Frontiers in Psychiatry.

"Uncovering how monotropism explains autism and Autistic experience takes the reader into the very heart of Autistic experience in ways not previously shown."
www.frontiersin.org/journals/psy...
Frontiers | Research by autistic researchers: an “insider’s view” into autism. The autistic way of being
This paper introduces us to an increasingly popular understanding of autism, but as understood and experienced by Autistic people: the descriptive theory of ...
www.frontiersin.org
October 22, 2025 at 6:29 AM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
spacepenguintim.bsky.social
What links Tom Cruise, Monotropism and @jamieandlion.bsky.social ?
Read my latest blog post to find out :o)
tumblepenny.wordpress.com/2025/10/16/m...
#monotropism #autism
@monotropism.bsky.social
Monotropism: Always a part of my life before I had even heard of it.
The first time I came across the term Monotropism was an appearance of Dr Wenn Lawson on the excellent podcast, “1800 seconds on Autism”. A BBC podcast series presented by Robyn Steward…
tumblepenny.wordpress.com
October 16, 2025 at 2:44 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
thinkingautism.com
"Fergus Murray’s Growing Up With Monotropism & Weird Pride is a crucial part of the brand-new autistic non-fiction anthology Someone Like Me. @fergus.oolong.co.uk's chapter is part technical primer, part auto-ethnography—& wholly moving." Eli Eggers, at TPGA:

thinkingautismguide.com/2025/10/let-...
October 15, 2025 at 11:21 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Sharing a fab blog from Kerry Murphy:
Why Monotropism is made for Early Childhood

diversepathways.org/f/why-monotr...
Why Monotropism is made for Early Childhood (Pt.1/3)
Context
diversepathways.org
October 16, 2025 at 9:44 AM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
keatesresearch.bsky.social
🗞️ NEWS 🗞️
We are pleased to premiere a series of "talking heads" videos of the co-edited collection Dr Krysia Waldock @krysiawally.bsky.social and I published, providing valuable insights.
An interest-based exploration of Monotropism and its use in the classroom
YouTube video by Neurodivergent Education Books
youtu.be
October 13, 2025 at 7:04 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
longtail.news
Feed: "Reframing Autism"
By: Emma Marsh on Wednesday, September 17, 2025
Monotropism: Understanding Autistic Ways of Being Through the Lens of Attention
Autism is widely understood as a spectrum, encompassing a broad range of traits and presentations. However, a unifying theory exists that accounts for both the diagnostic features of autism and the vast array of lesser-known Autistic traits – it is known as monotropism.
reframingautism.org.au
September 17, 2025 at 2:33 AM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
emergentdivergence.com
Come and join myself and Tanya Adkin of ND Social Care & Family Services to talk about monotropism and lilipadding in our first live recorded podcast discussion.

Audience members get to ask questions live!

dghndconsultancy.substack.com/p/monotropis...

#Monotropism #Lilipadding #ActuallyAutistic
Monotropism & Lilipadding: Neurodiversity In Discussion- Live
Live podcast Q+A recording!
dghndconsultancy.substack.com
October 4, 2025 at 11:14 AM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
isabellefk.bsky.social
Learn from #autistic and other #neurodivergent authored theory & research re #neurodiversity, #monotropism and #doubleempathy.

Use this understanding to make teaching & learning accessible for all students - everyone benefits from ND-affirming approaches 😊

autisticrealms.com/neuro-affirm...
Neuro-Affirming Research in Practice: Supporting Autistic Students, Embracing Monotropism In The Classroom And Beyond | Autistic Realms
Written by Tanya Adkin and Helen Edgar, based on the presentation we delivered to the National Autistic Society Professionals’ Conference in March, 2025. Sh ...
autisticrealms.com
October 3, 2025 at 7:36 AM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
autisticrealms.bsky.social
Discover Dinah Murray’s concept of co-tropicality. Explore how joining Autistic children in their flow & attention tunnel builds trust, co-regulation, & deep…

https://autisticrealms.com/shared-flow-turning-attention-to-support-children-together/?utm_source=bluesky&utm_medium=jetpack_social
Post Image
October 5, 2025 at 7:09 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
semascot.bsky.social
30 September marks #InternationalTranslationDay, a celebration of the bridges language creates. At Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA), translation is more than words. It is about ensuring autistic people from all communities can access respect, dignity, and understanding.
Promotional graphic by Scottish Ethnic Minority Autistics (SEMA) for International Translation Day. The text reads: ‘INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION DAY – Sharing autism stories worldwide.’ The SEMA logo is at the top. The centre features a poster titled ‘Autism Myth Busting’ with an illustration of a person surrounded by colourful flowing shapes. Around it are translated materials in multiple languages, including Urdu, Arabic, Gaelic, Polish, and Punjabi. The materials promote autism myth-busting, rights, support for autistic loved ones, and anti-racism. Logos for SEMA, BEMIS Scotland, and the Scottish Government are included.
September 30, 2025 at 9:48 AM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
kynyg.bsky.social
This resonates so hard! I’ve long said the most joyful, peaceful moments of my life are when I’m alone in a silent library at a large smooth table with expansive, un-interrupted hours ahead of me to read/think/write towards an intellectual project of my choosing
September 27, 2025 at 12:44 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
"Results showed that participants preferred to learn autodidactically and had a preference to focus on tasks for longer periods of time as opposed to shorter tasks. Participants noted the many benefits of these interests"
www.igi-global.com/chapter/an-i....
Abstract: This body of work examines an interest-based neuro-affirmative account of monotropism and how this can be applied to education. I draw on data collected from a study where monotropism was explored through a mixed methods approach looking into interests and experiences of autistic people at school. Results showed that participants preferred to learn autodidactically and had a preference to focus on tasks for longer periods of time as opposed to shorter tasks. Participants noted the many benefits of these interests - these included amongst others: its use to stay calm, to be happy, to focus better, and to learn more. The interests that participants took part in were hugely varied and broke down significant stereotypes, suggesting that autistic stereotypes of topics of monotropic interests are not valid or relevant. It is suggested that monotropic interests are encouraged in the school environment and beyond as a tool for lifelong learning. These interests can help with self-regulation, mastery, and are of benefit to the mental health and wellbeing of our autistic community.
September 27, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
jessaiston.bsky.social
**CALL FOR PAPERS**

Upcoming workshop at QMUL in January, looking at autism, focused interests, and communication across diverse contexts. How can we centre autistic interests as a strength rather than a symptom?

Contributions outside academia welcome.

Please share widely!
Workshop: Focused Interests, Identity, & Autistic Communication Across Contexts. 8-9th January, Queen Mary University of London. Speakers: - Dr Liam Cross & Dr Gray Atherton, leading a co-design session to create a board game highlighting strengths of neurodiversity - Pete Wharmby, neurodiversity advocate - Professor Rebecca Wood, Glasgow This workshop will explore how autistic people engage with focused interests in diverse communication settings. Bringing together discourse, narrative, interactional approaches, sessions will examine how intense interests shape storytelling, knowledge exchange, and social connections. We consider how focused interests are differently valued in society and ask what it would mean to centre interests as a strength rather than symtom. We invite proposals for individual papers and contributions to a roundtable discussion. Contributions from autistic individuals and allies, practitioners, clinicians, and education professionals are especially welcomed. Submit your proposal to j.aiston@qmul.ac.uk by Friday 14th November
September 24, 2025 at 8:47 AM
monotropism.bsky.social
'A Trans-Diagnostic Investigation of Attention and Diverse Phenotypes of “Auditory Hyperreactivity” in Autism, ADHD, and the General Population' by
Patrick Dwyer, @quantpsychiatry.bsky.social, Wenn Lawson, and Susan M. Rivera.

journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/...
Sage Journals: Discover world-class research
Subscription and open access journals from Sage, the world's leading independent academic publisher.
journals.sagepub.com
September 23, 2025 at 3:15 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
"I Spy with my Monotropic Eye: Photography as a Particularly Autistic Medium"

Beautiful photos and reflections in Ought, the Journal of Autistic Culture.
scholarworks.gvsu.edu/ought/vol6/i...
I Spy with my Monotropic Eye: Photography as a Particularly Autistic Medium
By Rachel Heartwood, Published on 06/06/25
scholarworks.gvsu.edu
September 23, 2025 at 3:11 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
olgatennisonautism.bsky.social
New on the Blog!

Monotropism: Between Obsessive Joy and Overwhelm

By Dr Patrick Dwyer

otarc.blogs.latrobe.edu.au/monotropism-...
Screenshot of the OTARC blog, title: Monotropism: Between Obsessive Joy and Overwhelm with a photo of a person holding a camera lens
September 21, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
fergus.oolong.co.uk
Updated my 'conversations and interviews' page with various recent podcasts about monotropism, neurodiversity being autistic and so on.
oolong.co.uk/recordings/#...
Recordings – Fergus Murray
Links are to videos of my work, except where otherwise specified. Apart from the conversations, nearly all of the videos include links to the full text in their
oolong.co.uk
September 14, 2025 at 5:05 PM