Text below; video here for those who prefer that format:
This is for you if you have read some descriptions of monotropism, and perhaps taken the Monotropism Questionnaire, and it resonates with you: it seems pretty clear that we’re describing you. What does this mean?
The first thing to say is that we think monotropism is one aspect of the natural variability of human thinking and experience (neurodiversity). It doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with you! It’s probably good that monotropic people exist, and it’s good that polytropic people exist too.
The second thing is that we don’t have enough data to say for sure whether a high degree of monotropism necessarily means someone is autistic. While the diagnostic criteria for autism all follow naturally from monotropism, it is not clear if they follow inevitably: there may be some very monotropic people who do not fit with the way autism is currently defined. There are also some autistic people who do not feel monotropism fits their experiences, which demands further research.
However, it does seem that most unusually monotropic people are autistic, and all have a good deal in common with autistic people. Many monotropic people also fit the criteria for ADHD. If you are just realising that you are monotropic, you might find it valuable to read books and blogs, watch, or listen to things about the experiences of autistic and ADHD (kinetic) people. See how much sounds familiar, and whether you learn things that help to explain your own experiences.
Embrace Autism has a variety of quizzes designed to give you a sense of whether you are likely to be autistic. If you would like a formal assessment to settle the question of how your head works, or to access support and accommodations, the first step is usually to talk to a doctor – in the UK, a GP. Be prepared to explain how your experiences match the diagnostic criteria, and why you think a diagnosis would be useful. In many places, you will then go on one or more very long waiting list.
Not everyone needs an official label. You can learn a lot about yourself without needing validation from professionals! Neurodivergent communities have a long history of recognising ‘self-diagnosis’, as long as it’s backed up by a good amount of research. There are many reasons why formal assessments are inaccessible to some people, notably women, ethnic minorities and those from less affluent backgrounds. Many people who eventually receive an official diagnosis have been pretty sure for a long time, but it can still make a big difference to have that professional confirmation.
Some people find that what makes the biggest difference is connecting with other people who experience the world in a similar way, and learning from their experiences. You might like to see if you can find groups locally or online where you can discuss monotropism, and neurodivergent ways of being more generally.
There are plenty of us out there!
