Embracing my autistic special interests

This guest post is by Dr. Kerry Magro Ed.D., a professional speaker, best-selling author and autism entertainment consultant who is on the autism spectrum. You can contact him about speaking with your company and follow him on Instagram.

What are your child’s special interests?

In a study published in Autism and supported in part by Autism Speaks, I recently found out that of 237 autistic youth aged 2 to 18 with a range of intellectual disabilities, 75% of these youth had at least one special interest.

We often hear that some autistic people have laser-focus special key interests which was similar to what I went through from my autism journey from nonspeaking to professional speaker. 

Not only a sense of joy, my special interests influence my personal and professional life, providing both comfort and a sense of mastery. They may play huge dividends for people in our autism community. For example, my special interests have played a pivotal role in shaping my career and academic pursuits. 

My special interests

These interests include theater, basketball, and autism education, each contributing uniquely to my development as an autism speaker and consultant.

Theater: From special interest to professional speaker

My fascination with theater began at a young age. Things like character development, the nuances of dialogue, and the transformative power of performance captivated me and helped me with things like mind blindness; the inability to understand other’s perspectives. This passion for theater didn't just remain a hobby; it laid the foundation for my career as a professional speaker. The skills I honed through acting—such as public speaking, storytelling, and engaging an audience—translated seamlessly into my work as an autism advocate. These skills have allowed me to connect with diverse audiences, such as in schools and professional development for companies, sharing my journey from nonspeaking autism to becoming a prominent autism speaker and consultant.

Basketball: An encyclopedia of the NBA

Another special interest of mine is basketball. My ability to memorize and recall extensive details about all 30 NBA teams and their players is something that has always amazed my friends and family. This depth of knowledge goes beyond random Snapple facts; it reflects the intense focus and dedication characteristic of many autistic individuals. This passion for basketball provided me with a structured and detailed world to immerse myself in, offering both a mental challenge and a source of relaxation. It also taught me valuable lessons about teamwork, exercise, strategy, and perseverance, which I apply in my professional life.

Autism education: A lifelong pursuit

Maybe my most significant special interest though is autism education. This interest was not only a personal necessity but also a professional calling. My desire to understand autism in depth led me to pursue a doctorate in education from New Jersey City University. This academic achievement has equipped me with the knowledge and expertise to hopefully one day serve as an adjunct professor at the college level. My research and experiences enable me to support others on the spectrum and advocate for better educational and social support systems.

These special interests are more than just hobbies; they are integral parts of who I am. They have influenced my career path and my contributions to the autism community. As an autism speaker, I often share how these interests have shaped my journey, providing relatable and inspiring examples for others. I discuss the importance of embracing and nurturing special interests, as they can lead to unexpected and fulfilling career opportunities.

For those reading this, I hope that, when you see an autistic person focused on a special interests, to see how it could lead to their future pursuits. I’m one of the many examples of people that are doing that today.