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monotropism.bsky.social
Monotropism.org
@monotropism.bsky.social
2.6K followers 600 following 85 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
The other specifically monotropism-themed chapter in Neurodivergent Education and Lifelong Learning is Carl Cameron's The Monotropic Student.

"I cannot stress enough the importance of harnessing interest. It is absolutely the best way of forming
a relationship"
www.igi-global.com/chapter/the-...
Abstract This chapter examines autism through the lens of an interest-based account of autism, drawing on the experiences of autistic students studying in English Universities. Based on personal insights as an autistic educator and specialist mentor, the author explores how traditional university structures—particularly those that demand frequent attention shifts and multitasking—pose challenges for autistic learners. The discussion highlights the importance of interest, the allocation of resources, attention and focus. Critiquing conventional educational models, the chapter advocates for more linear course structures, individualised support and highlights the challenges faced by autistic students in environments that favour polytropic learning styles and course design. Through case studies and theoretical analysis, it underscores the importance of passion and interest in sustaining engagement while addressing systemic barriers in higher education.
September 27, 2025 at 12:36 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
Ania Atkinson's chapter discusses the results of a study exploring monotropism among school students.

She looks at the joy, wellbeing and calmness associated with Autistic learners' intense interests.

Hers is one of two monotropism-themed chapters in this volume; several others also touch on it.
Joy is a concept that is so often missing from today’s society. We have become fixated with the daily motions and rhythms of modern life that act to conform and restrain us. We live to work, to pay our mortgages, to behave. Our children live to work, and to behave. We have become joyless. Anyone who is themselves autistic or knows someone who is, will testify to the powerful joy that monotropic interests can bring. There is something pure and whole about autistic joy, yet it is so frequently misunderstood by non-autistic individuals (Kapp et al., 2019). Stimming is a dominant feature of autistic joy (Goodall, 2018), but it is a behaviour which can be discouraged by neuronormative society and seen as something that should be suppressed (Kapp et al., 2019). Schools are under enormous pressure and may struggle to keep the joy in learning when faced with so many competing and conflicting demands such as high accountability, workload and budget cuts
September 27, 2025 at 12:30 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
monotropism.bsky.social
Read the first ever publication about the concept of monotropism, shared in 1992
'Attention Tunnelling and Autism' by
Dinah KC Murray. From Living with Autism: The Individual, the Family, & the Professional. Durham Conference Proceedings
Find out more in the archives
monotropism.org/dinah/attent...
Image of rain drops on leaf (Credit Fergus Murray). Text reads: "To have a meaning is to have a place in an interest system: the more diverse and connected the interest system, the more subtle, deep, or ramified will be the meanings it confers through interpretation or expression." Attention Tunnelling and Autism Dinah KC Murray, 1992. From Living with Autism: The Individual, the Family, and the Professional. Durham Conference Proceedings Find out more and discover the home of Dinah Murray's archives: www.monotropism.org
June 15, 2025 at 11:06 AM
monotropism.bsky.social
Are you interested in the theory of monotropism? Check out Monotropism.org website for everything monotropism related - explanations, practice and history including Dr Dinah Murray's chapter Dimensions of Difference (2020).

Find out more:
www.monotropism.org

monotropism.org/dinah/dimens...
Image of photo from ground looking up to sky through forest of trees taken by Fergus Murray. Text reads: Monotropism - DIMENSIONS OF DIFFERENCE "Interests range from fleeting moments to lasting passions, from narrow fixations and self-seeking plots, to duties and universal concerns... Interests prepare us for action and for interaction." Dinah Murray (2020) Murray, D. (2022) Dimensions of Difference in: Davis, A. et al. The Neurodiversity Reader - Pavilion Publishing. Find out more: www.monotropism.org
March 23, 2025 at 8:19 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
There was a bit in the text about @naturalistdara.bsky.social's writing which just said [Picture?] so @fergus.oolong.co.uk has added this image of his words, which Dinah prepared for a talk about autism and Marxism, which you can watch here (her part starts at 18:20).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8ye...
Snippets from Dara's book, written in pen in all-caps, cut out and arranged by Dinah Sudden fit of excitement Urgency Fierce joy Intensely excited Walk in a trance Transfixed Things that nobody notices The landscape our place of worship Mesmerising & hypnotic We don't have to control ourselves here Unbridled excitement We run & run Crackling excitement Unfettered joy Giddy amazement Dazzled by delicacy Senses popping like corn kernels Anticipation & fascination Reverence & awe
March 11, 2025 at 11:34 AM
monotropism.bsky.social
Listen to the research carried out by Autistic people for Autistic people.
Autism isn't a medical disorder, Autistic people don't need "fixing".
The theory of monotropism (Murray et al. 2005) is neurodiversity affirming.
Find out more:
monotropism.org
Image: photo of tall trees taken from ground looking up to sky. Credit Panda Mery Text: Monotropism. Learn about autism from a different perspective. Listen to the research carried out by autistic people for autistic people. Autism isn't a medical disorder, autistic people don't need "fixing". The theory of monotropism (Murray et al. 2005) is neurodiversity affirming. Monotropism recognises strengths and difficulties. https://monotropism.org/
December 21, 2024 at 8:38 AM
monotropism.bsky.social
If you're Autistic / ADHD/ AuDHD you're more likely to be monotropic (Garau et al. 2023)
www.researchgate.net/publication/...
Find out more: monotropism.org
Image: close up photo of moss Text: Monotropism, If you're autistic / ADHD/ AuDHD you're more likely to be monotropic (Garau et al. 2023) Find out how the original article by Murray, D., Lesser, M., & Lawson, W. (2005). "Attention, monotropism and the diagnostic criteria for autism" is leading to a deeper understanding of autistic experience and new research projects.
December 4, 2024 at 9:09 PM
monotropism.bsky.social
Monotropism Archives:
"Positive hyper-focussing abilities - giving more to an individual's leading interests and less to others - can make for enhanced processing not diminished"
Dinah Murray: Dimensions of Difference
Full article: monotropism.org/dinah/dimens...
Find out more:
www.monotropism.org
Title: Monotropism Image: Dandelion Puff Text: "Positive hyper-focussing abilities - giving more to an individual's leading interests and less to others - can make for enhanced processing not diminished" Dinah Murray: Dimensions of Difference Chapter 3 cited in: Milton, D. (2020). The Neurodiversity Reader: Exploring Concepts, Lived Experience and Implications for Practice. Pavilion Publishing and Media Limited.
November 28, 2024 at 10:52 PM