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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 03/07/2026

Building on all of the above and @kieranrose.bsky.social's introduction to monotropism, here's more from @ryanboren.bsky.social at @stimpunks.org... stimpunks.org/space/therap...

Sit beside one at the computer (not crowding!)… Do not intervene unless there is a call for it! Do not try to divert the flow!

Dinah Murray, Autism and information technology (2011)

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 01/07/2026

We've just added another of Dinah's chapters, from a 2011 book called Autism and Learning. Attached is a list of "Why computers suit autistic individuals", each one expanded on in the text. monotropism.org/autism-it/

Contained, very clear-cut boundary conditions.

Naturally monotropic, (cf. Douglas Coupland’s ‘overfocused’) thus context-free.

Restricted stimuli in all sensory modalities.

Rule-governed and predictable thus controllable (despite annoying mistakes).

Safe error-making.

Highly perfectible medium.

Possibilities of non-verbal or verbal expression.

Interacts cotropically with the individual, i.e. it joins the individual’s attention tunnel, ‘starts where the child is’.

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 01/07/2026

Dinah was writing about the potential of computers in education for Autistic children - maximising autonomous learning - and in helping Autistic people to connect, from her very first paper on Monotropism in 1992. monotropism.org/dinah/attent...

Maximising their control over what they learn whilst making sure new relevant information comes their way, would seem to be the most appealing pedagogic option for children with autism. Computers and specially designed computer programs should be uniquely fit for this purpose: controllable, predictable, potentially limitlessly informative, and capable of clear, easily understood expression if used that way.

What is more, computers could be used to network people with autism, both with each other and with non-autistic people, and so put them into a comfortable mode of communication. If this is right, then it should be a priority to make sure that as many people with autism as possible have access to computers, from as early an age as is feasible.

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 27/09/2025

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.

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 27/09/2025

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

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 27/09/2025

"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.

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 15/06/2025

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

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 23/03/2025

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

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 11/03/2025

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

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 21/12/2024

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/

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 04/12/2024

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.

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Monotropism.org @monotropism.org · 28/11/2024

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.

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