Monotropism

DEFINITION

Monotropism is a theory of autism that describes how autistic people tend to focus their attention and interests intensely on fewer things at once, rather than spreading attention broadly. Developed by Dinah Murray, Mike Lesser, and Wenn Lawson.

WHY IT MATTERS

Monotropism helps explain many autistic experiences: the depth of special interests, difficulty switching tasks, sensory sensitivity, and the cost of social interaction. It frames autism as a different attentional style rather than a collection of deficits.

COMMON MISCONCEPTION

Monotropism is not the same as inflexibility. It is a different way of allocating cognitive resources — one with real strengths as well as challenges.

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