Monotropism.org
@monotropism.bsky.social
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/
Read about explanations and applications of the theory, its history, and what’s happening now on our website.
https://monotropism.org/
Pinned
Monotropism.org
@monotropism.bsky.social
· Nov 16
Monotropism
the mind as an interest system
monotropism.org
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
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
Reposted by Monotropism.org
New pre-print: Exploring The Phenomenology Of Autistic Attention from @danpoole.bsky.social @beatrixbird.bsky.social & team.
Relevant to the theory of monotropism - about improving accessibility for Autistic people in the workplace.
osf.io/preprints/ps...
Relevant to the theory of monotropism - about improving accessibility for Autistic people in the workplace.
osf.io/preprints/ps...
OSF
osf.io
January 27, 2026 at 6:41 PM
New pre-print: Exploring The Phenomenology Of Autistic Attention from @danpoole.bsky.social @beatrixbird.bsky.social & team.
Relevant to the theory of monotropism - about improving accessibility for Autistic people in the workplace.
osf.io/preprints/ps...
Relevant to the theory of monotropism - about improving accessibility for Autistic people in the workplace.
osf.io/preprints/ps...
Respecting your child's flow: @aquinnunbroken.bsky.social for Autism Central
www.autismcentral.org.uk/news/blog-be...
www.autismcentral.org.uk/news/blog-be...
Blog: Beyond behaviour … respecting your child's monotropic flow | Autism Central
Autistic psychotherapist Alexis Quinn explains how understanding monotropism has been the key to reducing conflict, supporting learning and protecting her children's sense of self (and her sanity).
www.autismcentral.org.uk
January 27, 2026 at 10:24 AM
Respecting your child's flow: @aquinnunbroken.bsky.social for Autism Central
www.autismcentral.org.uk/news/blog-be...
www.autismcentral.org.uk/news/blog-be...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
Read now: www.autisticparentsu...
Thanks to our members who contributed their comments for this blog post ♥️
4/4
Thanks to our members who contributed their comments for this blog post ♥️
4/4
Monotropism as an Autistic Parent
Monotropism is a neurodiversity-affirming theory of autism, developed by Autistic people, that explains many common Autistic experiences. Parenting as a monotropic Autistic person brings both challenges and strengths.
www.autisticparentsuk.org
January 22, 2026 at 6:58 PM
Read now: www.autisticparentsu...
Thanks to our members who contributed their comments for this blog post ♥️
4/4
Thanks to our members who contributed their comments for this blog post ♥️
4/4
Find out about the history of monotropism.
Dinah Murray presented ‘Attention Tunnelling and Autism‘ at the Durham autism conference in 1992. This was the first ever publication about monotropism.
monotropism.org/history/
Dinah Murray presented ‘Attention Tunnelling and Autism‘ at the Durham autism conference in 1992. This was the first ever publication about monotropism.
monotropism.org/history/
History of Monotropism
Fergus Murray and Wenn Lawson (2022) See also the archive of Dinah Murray’s work. Dinah Murray completed her PhD in psycholinguistics at University College London in 1985, with the title ‘Lan…
monotropism.org
January 20, 2026 at 9:55 PM
Find out about the history of monotropism.
Dinah Murray presented ‘Attention Tunnelling and Autism‘ at the Durham autism conference in 1992. This was the first ever publication about monotropism.
monotropism.org/history/
Dinah Murray presented ‘Attention Tunnelling and Autism‘ at the Durham autism conference in 1992. This was the first ever publication about monotropism.
monotropism.org/history/
Reposted by Monotropism.org
We’re published in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School”.
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen, @autisticrealms.bsky.social, has a chapter in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds” on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org/2026/01/14/w...
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen, @autisticrealms.bsky.social, has a chapter in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds” on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org/2026/01/14/w...
We’re published in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School”
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen has a chapter in "It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School" on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org
January 14, 2026 at 8:04 PM
We’re published in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School”.
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen, @autisticrealms.bsky.social, has a chapter in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds” on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org/2026/01/14/w...
Stimpunks Co-Creative Director Helen, @autisticrealms.bsky.social, has a chapter in “It Takes All Kinds of Minds” on “Embracing Monotropism and Flow”.
stimpunks.org/2026/01/14/w...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
"Recognising that distressed behaviour is often not the child, but the pressure to conform, allows us to move from ‘fixing’ to ‘facilitating’ belonging."
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
Blog: Beyond behaviour … respecting your child's monotropic flow | Autism Central
Autistic psychotherapist Alexis Quinn explains how understanding monotropism has been the key to reducing conflict, supporting learning and protecting her children's sense of self (and her sanity).
www.autismcentral.org.uk
January 17, 2026 at 9:07 PM
"Recognising that distressed behaviour is often not the child, but the pressure to conform, allows us to move from ‘fixing’ to ‘facilitating’ belonging."
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
#NothingAboutUsWithoutUs
Reposted by Monotropism.org
I had one of my poems, Far From Equilibrium, published in @internationaltimes.bsky.social; it seemed a fitting home for it, since it was inspired by Mike Lesser, its former editor (also my one-time mentor & one of the co-developers of the theory of Monotropism).
internationaltimes.it/mike-lesser-...
internationaltimes.it/mike-lesser-...
Mike Lesser: Far from Equilibrium | IT
internationaltimes.it
December 16, 2025 at 5:48 PM
I had one of my poems, Far From Equilibrium, published in @internationaltimes.bsky.social; it seemed a fitting home for it, since it was inspired by Mike Lesser, its former editor (also my one-time mentor & one of the co-developers of the theory of Monotropism).
internationaltimes.it/mike-lesser-...
internationaltimes.it/mike-lesser-...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
Came across this article about monotropic spiral on the @stimpunks.org site and all I can say is that this feels like what's happening to me combined with active CPTSD symptoms and general burnout.
Monotropic Spiral
Tanya’s original concept of Monotropic spiral results from the inertia of monotropic flow. It may involve obsessive-compulsive type occurrences of rumination about a particular subject of experience t...
stimpunks.org
December 16, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Came across this article about monotropic spiral on the @stimpunks.org site and all I can say is that this feels like what's happening to me combined with active CPTSD symptoms and general burnout.
Reposted by Monotropism.org
It's here!
It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School
Edited By Rachael Davis, @claruineill.bsky.social
@suereviews.bsky.social
Excited to finally share the chapter I wrote with
@fergus.oolong.co.uk alongside fab illustrations from @scrappapertiger.bsky.social
It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School
Edited By Rachael Davis, @claruineill.bsky.social
@suereviews.bsky.social
Excited to finally share the chapter I wrote with
@fergus.oolong.co.uk alongside fab illustrations from @scrappapertiger.bsky.social
December 12, 2025 at 10:17 PM
It's here!
It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School
Edited By Rachael Davis, @claruineill.bsky.social
@suereviews.bsky.social
Excited to finally share the chapter I wrote with
@fergus.oolong.co.uk alongside fab illustrations from @scrappapertiger.bsky.social
It Takes All Kinds of Minds: Fostering Neurodivergent Thriving at School
Edited By Rachael Davis, @claruineill.bsky.social
@suereviews.bsky.social
Excited to finally share the chapter I wrote with
@fergus.oolong.co.uk alongside fab illustrations from @scrappapertiger.bsky.social
December 10, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Reposted by Monotropism.org
If you've ever zoned in so hard the world disappeared, this is for you. Check out my accessible presentation on measuring Monotropism @ Cafe Autistique in Manchester, 11 June 2025.
youtu.be/tz2XpO1tg0Y?...
youtu.be/tz2XpO1tg0Y?...
Monotropism @ Cafe Autistique 2025 | Beatrix Butnicu
YouTube video by Tunnel Visionary
youtu.be
June 16, 2025 at 8:23 AM
If you've ever zoned in so hard the world disappeared, this is for you. Check out my accessible presentation on measuring Monotropism @ Cafe Autistique in Manchester, 11 June 2025.
youtu.be/tz2XpO1tg0Y?...
youtu.be/tz2XpO1tg0Y?...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
NEW EVENT: The brain motorway - how monotropism is a foundation of Autistic experience
With Pete Wharmby
19 Dec 2025 12-1pm UK
A chance to hear the latest insights, ask questions & explore how evidence and lived experience meet in practice
FREE TICKETS
www.autismcentral.org.uk/events/brain...
With Pete Wharmby
19 Dec 2025 12-1pm UK
A chance to hear the latest insights, ask questions & explore how evidence and lived experience meet in practice
FREE TICKETS
www.autismcentral.org.uk/events/brain...
www.autismcentral.org.uk
December 6, 2025 at 12:58 PM
NEW EVENT: The brain motorway - how monotropism is a foundation of Autistic experience
With Pete Wharmby
19 Dec 2025 12-1pm UK
A chance to hear the latest insights, ask questions & explore how evidence and lived experience meet in practice
FREE TICKETS
www.autismcentral.org.uk/events/brain...
With Pete Wharmby
19 Dec 2025 12-1pm UK
A chance to hear the latest insights, ask questions & explore how evidence and lived experience meet in practice
FREE TICKETS
www.autismcentral.org.uk/events/brain...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
New resources added to our free open access e-books to support our Discovery Programme for Autistic adults.
Covering topics such as Masking, Internalised Ableism, Sensory Systems, Relationships, Monotropism, Burnout and more!
www.thrivingautistic.org/discovery-pr...
Covering topics such as Masking, Internalised Ableism, Sensory Systems, Relationships, Monotropism, Burnout and more!
www.thrivingautistic.org/discovery-pr...
Discovery Programme Resources
Gentle, neuroaffirming resources created by and for Autistic adults.
www.thrivingautistic.org
December 3, 2025 at 8:46 AM
New resources added to our free open access e-books to support our Discovery Programme for Autistic adults.
Covering topics such as Masking, Internalised Ableism, Sensory Systems, Relationships, Monotropism, Burnout and more!
www.thrivingautistic.org/discovery-pr...
Covering topics such as Masking, Internalised Ableism, Sensory Systems, Relationships, Monotropism, Burnout and more!
www.thrivingautistic.org/discovery-pr...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
I’ve been holding these reflections quietly for a long time.
I’m finally ready to begin writing about autism, monotropism, attention, and what I’ve learned along the way.
Excited to share my first post!
aliabreonmd.substack.com/p/why-im-wri...
I’m finally ready to begin writing about autism, monotropism, attention, and what I’ve learned along the way.
Excited to share my first post!
aliabreonmd.substack.com/p/why-im-wri...
I needed a new lens
How lived experience reshaped what I thought I knew
aliabreonmd.substack.com
December 1, 2025 at 12:32 AM
I’ve been holding these reflections quietly for a long time.
I’m finally ready to begin writing about autism, monotropism, attention, and what I’ve learned along the way.
Excited to share my first post!
aliabreonmd.substack.com/p/why-im-wri...
I’m finally ready to begin writing about autism, monotropism, attention, and what I’ve learned along the way.
Excited to share my first post!
aliabreonmd.substack.com/p/why-im-wri...
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
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
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
Dual Experiences, Challenges, and Inclusion Solutions
Author(s): Wenn B. Lawson
livedplacespublishing.com/book/isbn/97...
doi.org/10.62859/c.1...
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...
news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4601...
ADHD and monotropism (2023) | Hacker News
news.ycombinator.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:42 PM
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...
news.ycombinator.com/item?id=4601...
"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
@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
"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
@aimeespeaks.bsky.social & Sarah Dantas, Neurodiversity
Reposted by Monotropism.org
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".
"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".
'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...
helda.helsinki.fi/items/4e1849...
DSpace
helda.helsinki.fi
November 12, 2025 at 2:39 PM
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".
"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".
'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...
helda.helsinki.fi/items/4e1849...
DSpace
helda.helsinki.fi
November 12, 2025 at 12:09 PM
'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...
helda.helsinki.fi/items/4e1849...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
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...
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...
November 9, 2025 at 3:19 PM
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...
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...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
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...
forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
Microsoft Forms
forms.office.com
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
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...
forms.office.com/Pages/Respon...
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?...
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
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?...
youtu.be/5p8BD73xXxI?...
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...
"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
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...
"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...
Reposted by Monotropism.org
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
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
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
Read my latest blog post to find out :o)
tumblepenny.wordpress.com/2025/10/16/m...
#monotropism #autism
@monotropism.bsky.social
Reposted by Monotropism.org
"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-...
thinkingautismguide.com/2025/10/let-...
October 15, 2025 at 11:21 PM
"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-...
thinkingautismguide.com/2025/10/let-...