Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share Not Just a Hobby: Understanding Autistic Special Interests
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
Not Just a Hobby: Understanding Autistic Special Interests
Episode 5 – Not Just a Hobby: Understanding Autistic Special Interests
To some, they’re just hobbies.
To us, they’re lifelines.
In this episode, we explore autistic special interests—the deep passions that often define our focus, bring us joy, and help us make sense of the world. Far from being “obsessions” or distractions, special interests are a powerful part of the autistic experience. We discuss how they’ve impacted our lives, shaped our identities, and provided comfort through chaos. Whether your interest is music, airplanes, history, or something wonderfully niche, this episode is a celebration and validation of the things that light us up.
Show Notes
2:05 DSM05
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
20:50 Runway DFW
https://www.youtube.com/@RunwayDFW
20:52 Airline Videos Live
https://www.youtube.com/@AIRLINEVIDEOS
25:28 The Martian
https://a.co/d/3ODrIVc
25:54 FDR and Churchill book
https://a.co/d/90aZRLW
34:00 FlightRadar24
https://www.flightradar24.com/
46:06 Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by: Devon Price PhD
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688819/unmasking-autism-by-devon-price-phd/
Credits
Executive Producer:
Keith Holloway
Co-Executive Producer:
Bridget Holloway
Hosts:
Keith and Bridget Holloway
Produced & Edited by:
Keith Holloway
Theme Music:
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Logo Design:
Nathan McConnell (Growing up Autie)
https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie
A Dispatch Central Production
© 2025
Follow Us:
Facebook: Apparently Autistic Podcast
Website: https://apparentlyautistic.podbean.com/
Subscribe, share, and leave a review—your support means the world.
Video Recording:
Panasonic HC-WX991: https://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/camcorders/consumer-camcorders/hc-wxf991k
Editing and Production Software:
PowerDirecteor 365 https://www.cyberlink.com/products/po...
Audio Recording and Editing Software:
Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/
Disclaimers
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.
The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique.
Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.
We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback.
This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.
View all episodes
By Keith and Bridget HollowayEpisode 5 – Not Just a Hobby: Understanding Autistic Special Interests
To some, they’re just hobbies.
To us, they’re lifelines.
In this episode, we explore autistic special interests—the deep passions that often define our focus, bring us joy, and help us make sense of the world. Far from being “obsessions” or distractions, special interests are a powerful part of the autistic experience. We discuss how they’ve impacted our lives, shaped our identities, and provided comfort through chaos. Whether your interest is music, airplanes, history, or something wonderfully niche, this episode is a celebration and validation of the things that light us up.
Show Notes
2:05 DSM05
https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
20:50 Runway DFW
https://www.youtube.com/@RunwayDFW
20:52 Airline Videos Live
https://www.youtube.com/@AIRLINEVIDEOS
25:28 The Martian
https://a.co/d/3ODrIVc
25:54 FDR and Churchill book
https://a.co/d/90aZRLW
34:00 FlightRadar24
https://www.flightradar24.com/
46:06 Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity by: Devon Price PhD
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/688819/unmasking-autism-by-devon-price-phd/
Credits
Executive Producer:
Keith Holloway
Co-Executive Producer:
Bridget Holloway
Hosts:
Keith and Bridget Holloway
Produced & Edited by:
Keith Holloway
Theme Music:
"Paradise Found"
Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Logo Design:
Nathan McConnell (Growing up Autie)
https://www.facebook.com/growingupautie
A Dispatch Central Production
© 2025
Follow Us:
Facebook: Apparently Autistic Podcast
Website: https://apparentlyautistic.podbean.com/
Subscribe, share, and leave a review—your support means the world.
Video Recording:
Panasonic HC-WX991: https://shop.panasonic.com/cameras-and-camcorders/camcorders/consumer-camcorders/hc-wxf991k
Editing and Production Software:
PowerDirecteor 365 https://www.cyberlink.com/products/po...
Audio Recording and Editing Software:
Audacity https://www.audacityteam.org/
Disclaimers
This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis or treatment of autism or any related condition.
The views and experiences shared here are personal and may not reflect those of everyone on the autism spectrum. Autism is a broad and diverse spectrum, and each individual's journey is unique.
Some episodes may contain discussions of mental health, trauma, or other sensitive topics. Listener discretion is advised.
We aim to create a respectful, inclusive space for autistic individuals, their families, professionals, and allies. If we ever get it wrong, we welcome thoughtful feedback.
This podcast may feature sponsored content or affiliate links, which will be disclosed during the episode.