When we talk about autism spectrum disorder, one of the most interesting aspects often discussed is the concept of a special interest. These are intense passions that bring joy, comfort, and an abundance of order to many autistic individuals.
One common linkage is autism and trains. But why do so many autistic people love them?
Special interests in autism offer various benefits. They provide unique learning experiences and therapeutic opportunities and can transform seemingly simple fascination into a powerful tool for growth and development.
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CHILDREN WITH AUTISM AND THEIR SPECIAL INTERESTS
Understanding special interests
Special, restricted interests are deep, often lifelong passions that many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) develop.
Unlike hobbies that might come and go, a special interest can be much more intense and consuming. They can revolve around a wide range of topics, from animals to numbers and, quite often, trains.
These interests, for autistic individuals, serve several vital purposes: they bring in a huge amount of routine, help keep anxiety at bay, and serve as a safety zone for them to study things and be creative.
Research suggests special interests can be very beneficial to autistic people. They often become a source of pride and expertise and enable autistic people to relate with others who share similar passions.
Interests like trains then serve as a motivating context for new skills and knowledge acquisition.
Why do autistic people like trains?
Autism and trains often have a unique connection, with many autistic individuals expressing a strong interest in them.
There could be many reasons for an autistic person to like trains, and each provides insight into this special linkage.
1. Order and predictability
Trains run on fixed tracks and according to schedules, which can be very comforting to an individual who craves anything predictable.
The structured, repetitive nature of the movement of the trains aligns well with the need for routine and order common in an autistic person.
This predictability reduces anxiety, creating a safe, controlled environment where the individual can feel secure.
This is not only about the need for comfort but also about the ability to perform a kind of mind mapping of the world, which is easier to conceptualize and deal with.
The precision of a fixed schedule and the orderly manner in which trains make their way from one station to another can be a major fascination source. It can provide a concrete representation of order in an otherwise overwhelming world.
2. Complex systems
Trains are also part of a complex network of mechanical systems, including tracks, engines, signals, stations, and schedules. They serve a variety of purposes.
Many autistic people have a keen interest in different types of systems and how they work, often excelling at understanding and memorizing intricate details. This complexity creates scope for open exploration, learning, and mastery of railway systems.
This same complexity can be a cognitive challenge to the mind-engaging activity, providing scope for problem-solving and insight into how things work.
In some cases, this may extend further into an interest in the history and engineering behind the trains, leading to a deeper look at the mechanics and technology powering these huge machines.
3. Sensory appeal
What several people find more engaging could be the sensory input from the trains.
The rhythmic sounds of the wheels on the rails, the visual stimulations through design on the inside and outside of the train, and even the motion element can be very satisfying to the senses.
In many ways, autistic individuals have increased sensory interests, making trains a rich source of sensory stimulation.
The experience the trains offer, together with the predictable motion and repetitive noises, can be appealingly rhythmic and regulatory for sensory input.
An interest in trains can also be strong because of the combined visual input provided while watching trains in motion, their patterns on the tracks, and sounds linked to running trains.
4. Historical and cultural significance
For centuries, trains have been a historical mode of transport and have long been associated with adventure, travel, and even technological advancement.
All these historical and cultural aspects undoubtedly add an extra layer of interest in the topic, especially to those avidly interested in history or technology.
The trains’ development can also be super intriguing to many, from steam engines to high-speed rail.
With some people on the spectrum, it could be related to a general interest in transportation or industrial history, in which trains are one of many symbols of human ingenuity and progress.
Finally, ideal social interactions can occur due to this interest. People who enjoy trains would communicate based on knowledge and experiences in the area, thus providing a community with like-minded people.
Educational and therapeutic applications
Given the strong interest many autistic individuals have in trains, educators and therapists can ensure this passion to support learning and development in certain classes. They can also allow a therapeutic and calming effect to take place.
Here are some ways this can be done for an autistic child:
Learning opportunities
Teachers can apply the themes of trains to teaching students with autism.
For example, math lessons can be related to train schedules and travel distances, while history lessons can cover the story of railways. Natural interest in trains can motivate autistic students to engage with academic content that they might otherwise find challenging.
Besides the regular curriculum, many children learn time management and spatial awareness with the help of trains.
Structure and predictability in the working of trains establish a pattern where one can introduce new ideas, making learning more fun.
Social skills development
Model train clubs or train-watching excursions are great for autistic children to meet new people and increase their social interactions.
These activities provide an organized framework in which autistic individuals can practice social skills within a context that they like and understand. The common interest in trains may serve as a bridge between the individuals, allowing social contact and cooperation.
It can also build confidence by helping people feel knowledgeable about their interests, leading to positive outcomes in other areas.
Therapeutic uses
Other applications of the use of trains in therapy include the development of fine motor skills, language skills, and emotional regulation. For instance, building and operating model trains can improve hand-eye coordination and problem-solving abilities.
On the communication side, discussion and sharing of knowledge about travel by train may improve communication, while the calming effect of watching trains can help manage stress and anxiety.
Therapists can sometimes utilize train interests to work through challenges in sensory processing. This provides familiar and comforting stimuli to help present new sensory experiences in a controlled, supportive environment.
The visual stimulation and rhythmic sounds that trains provide can promote relaxation and contribute to overall well-being and a therapeutic and calming effect.
Taking advantage of the power of special interests
Recognizing and supporting special interests like trains is crucial for the well-being of autistic individuals. These interests are not just hobbies. They are a significant part of the autistic experience, offering joy, comfort, and a pathway to personal growth.
When an autistic person puts special interests to good use, they can become their strengths. An interest in what trains offer might lead to a career in engineering, transportation, or even art and design.
By embracing these interests, parents, educators, and caregivers can help people on the autism spectrum understand their purpose and allow them to achieve more, turning what might seem like an obsession into a powerful personal and professional development tool.
FAQs
Q: What’s the connection between autism and trains?
A: Many autistic people like trains because they enjoy their order, predictability, and complexity. These elements align with the common autistic traits of needing routine and a deep interest in systems.
Q: Am I autistic if I like trains?
A: Liking trains alone does not mean you have autism spectrum disorder. While a special interest in trains is common among autistic people, it’s just one of many traits associated with autism.
Q: What are unusual things autistic people do?
A: Autism is a spectrum, which means behaviors can vary widely. Some autistic people might have intense special interests, repeat actions or phrases, or prefer structured routines. These behaviors are not “unusual” in the context of autism but are part of the diverse ways autistic individuals experience the world.
References
Alhaddad, A.Y., Javed, H., Connor, O., Banire, B., Al Thani, D., Cabibihan, JJ. (2019). Robotic Trains as an Educational and Therapeutic Tool for Autism Spectrum Disorder Intervention. In: Lepuschitz, W., Merdan, M., Koppensteiner, G., Balogh, R., Obdržálek, D. (eds) Robotics in Education. RiE 2018. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 829. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-97085-1_25
Bross, Leslie Ann, Huffman, Jonathan M., and Hagiwara, Mayumi. ‘Examining the Special Interest Areas of Autistic Adults with a Focus on Their Employment and Mental Health Outcomes’. 1 Jan. 2022: 289 – 305.
Clément MA, Lee K, Park M, Sinn A, Miyake N. The Need for Sensory-Friendly “Zones”: Learning From Youth on the Autism Spectrum, Their Families, and Autistic Mentors Using a Participatory Approach. Front Psychol. 2022 Jun 15;13:883331. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.883331. PMID: 35800952; PMCID: PMC9254619.
Elbeltagi R, Al-Beltagi M, Saeed NK, Alhawamdeh R. Play therapy in children with autism: Its role, implications, and limitations. World J Clin Pediatr. 2023 Jan 9;12(1):1-22. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v12.i1.1. PMID: 36685315; PMCID: PMC9850869.
Scheerer NE, Birmingham E, Boucher TQ, Iarocci G. Attention capture by trains and faces in children with and without autism spectrum disorder. PLoS One. 2021 Jun 18;16(6):e0250763. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250763. PMID: 34143788; PMCID: PMC8213190.
