At 36, I’ve found myself adventuring into new games and hobbies. My newest interest came to be because two of my friends play Magic The Gathering. Because I’ve been curious and intrigued about playing more “Table Top” games - I took the dive and saw it as both an opportunity to do something new and fun, as well as an opportunity to keep building community.
Enter, hyperfixation. If you’re not aware, Magic The Gathering is quite the complex and nuanced card game and there are many cards and creatures on cards to explore. I bought what is called a “preconstructed deck” but that didn’t stop me from perusing images of various deck themes and creature types enthusiastically. The various dragons drew me in. My friend was also perusing unicorns, it was a vibe - as the kids say.
Hyperfixation is something that folks with ADHD often experience. Identified by intense or extreme focus on a new solitary interest, hobby, form of media, or other theme, person/character, or item. Hyperfixation is sometimes viewed strictly within a pathological lens - and it is true that it can be problematic for folks who struggle to shift focus to other tasks and lose track of time (sometimes called “Time Blindness”).
However, intense interest in a new topic can also be experienced as very fun and rewarding, and often ADHD’ers reported enjoying the dopamine rush that comes from the novelty and opportunity to learn something new. I know I do!
Over the last couple of weeks, I’ve spent ample time exploring and learning about Magic The Gathering. My brain found joy in it, and locked in - it’s been really, really fun.
So, it’s not a surprise that many neurodivergent folks enjoy MTG and other tabletop games like Pokemon. As a shared interest with others, it can be a very entertaining way to spend time in community and also just find joy with common language and terms.
Socially, special interests (a term to describe a ND person’s long-term interests) and hyperfixations can sometimes feel unexpected or overwhelming to others. That's understandable. A grounding reminder is that neurodivergent folks don’t necessarily need others to match their interest in intensity. Just listening with some interest can be important for relationship building (especially with children). When a neurodivergent person shares about their interests, it can be a sign of trust and safety for you as well as an invitation into their inner world. A simple remark with genuine interest can often powerfully convey “I see what matters to you!.”
Some of my long-term special interests include: gems and crystals, tarot & oracle decks, vintage glassware, vintage sound systems, plants (alocasia & hoya), just to name some I’ve leaned into over the years.
I love learning about my client’s current hyperfixations and interests. And I can’t help but celebrate neurodivergent joy with clients when the opportunity arises! Joy truly is resistance, and I won’t stop saying so.
At Amethyst Holistic Counseling, I am thrilled and eager to provide neurodivergent and neuro-affirming care to adults across the state of California. In this practice, I honor who you are holistically, which includes celebrating your “nerdy” leanings.
