Decoding Hyperfixation vs Hyperfocus, Autism, and Mental Disorders!

What is Hyperfixation?

The term “hyperfixation” describes concentrating on a certain activity or subject so much that it practically hinders someone. 

While the hyperfocus can be sharply on the problem and be assimilative for an autistic person, it can also sometimes be rather hazardous. 

Although it allows for deep learning and creativity, it can also cause deprivation of eating, sleeping, or any personal hygiene. It corresponds with a sensory sensitivity type in all realities as well as several emotional problems faced by individuals with autistic tendencies.

To help you understand all the phenomena related to this context TheRehabSupport brings you this comprehensive guide. Keep reading to explore!

The Good Side of Hyperfixation

An autistic individual with hyperfixation could be demonstrated as having remarkable learning ability and productivity. For instance, the child may discover that their most preferred subjects can be science or history and spend much of their days collecting information or researching things in that particular subject. 

This will enable them to master subjects more quickly than their peers would take on them, becoming a bit of distress when the person loses himself or herself in this particular activity, forgetting about time or when to stop the activity to do other daily tasks.

Different Types of Hyperfixation in Autistics

Such intense hyperfocus activities are indulged by autistics on occasions. It’s been known to happen that one has watched a series of TV shows countless times, played video games for hours on end, crafted like mad, or read extensively on a single subject. For instance, one person might spend an entire evening researching and reading about trains, while another might watch the same movie over and over again. 

In fact, they take great pleasure in the hyperfocus, even though it prevents them from doing some major life activities such as going outside, having a meal or two, or even socializing.

It is the time one spends doing things that is different. The typical neurotypical might be able to limit themselves in some hobby or interests, but a person with autism will probably continue indefinitely until interrupted or forced to change.

The Difference Between Hyperfixation vs. Hyperfocus 

Though quite often misused by individuals intending to mean the same thing, hyperfixation and hyperfocus do not carry the same sense. It is a type of concentration much associated with the task, commonly seen in people with ADHD and autism. It is a productive, goal-oriented state that usually takes place until it accomplishes the task.

This, however, is very much devoid of setting a goal action and shines more from the person’s deep, passionate interests. A hyperfixated individual may end up doing the chosen action for long periods even if the action is less productive. While hyperfocus is sometimes identified with the accomplishment of a task, hyperfixation may sometimes turn into an obsession that prevents other aspects.

Why Do People Who Have Autism Come Under Hyperfixation?

But for individuals with autism, hyperfixation may serve as a coping method in dealing with sensory overload or emotional distress-as an alternative-to deeply focus on a kind of activity. The very repetitive characteristic of hyperfixation makes it soothing and controls the person, particularly when parts of his life become unpredictable or just very much overwhelming. 

Still, this presence can draw an enormous deal of inconvenience. It becomes difficult for the person to even switch over the tasks, which may create anxiety or fuss over it. Besides that, it ignores such obvious needs as eating or using a toilet and forgets to attend vital social or family occasions. In some cases, he or she becomes so engrossed that he or she really loses their environment or time altogether.

Why Do People with Autism Get Hyper Fixated?

Hyperfixation may help people with autism through the overwhelming sensory experiences, emotional stress, or perhaps, both by concentrating on a kind of activity instead. The repetitive quality of hyperfixation is comforting and controlling, particularly when other portions of life are erratic or just really overwhelming. 

Continuously focusing on one particular subject or activity can prove problematic. The changeover from other activities may trigger anxiety or frustration. It may also ignore some of the basic activities like hunger or even relieving oneself and sometimes forgets to attend critical social or family events. In a few cases, concentration may be so much that one completely lacks connections with the surroundings or loses track of time.

Hyperfixation, as it applies to neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals:

Hyperfixation does not only belong to autistic personalities; people with other medical issues like ADHD, OCD, or even anxiety disorders might also exhibit hyperfixation. In fact, anyone-neurotypical or neurodivergent-is able to launch into laser-like focus about anything: the hour-long painstaking challenge of reading an entire book or even the frenzy of watching all the Marvel movies. They may find it to be difficult just switching gears between activities. On the other hand, neurotypicals might get more absorbed in a book or movie binge.

Rather, they can be considerably worse for someone with autism: there may be an inclination to get stuck in a hyperfixated state and all efforts to separate from this are not going to work. Neurotypically, once the activity is done, the individual is then through with it without having a strong drive to continue or come back to it later.

What Actually Is Autistic Hyperfixation in Reality?

Hyperfixation may display differently with different persons with autism. Some major examples are:

• Repetitive Watching of Television Programs or Movies: The people may watch the same show over and over again probably because they feel comfortable with the repetition of the storyline or a certain character.
• Video Games, for Days on End: Some people could end up spending hours playing video games without even thinking about switchboard operators, especially for a game being their main interest now.
• Reading or Researching: They might also become fixated on one topic and read about it endlessly, consuming all the information they could find, whether that’d be about outer space, animals, or even specific historical events.
• Some people collect things or organize them: For example, collecting stamps, toys, or even books, in which they invest their time, place them into groups and even look at the same item over and over again.

Though some of these activities might seem strange or obsessive, such activities really bring a lot of comfort and stability to those who engage in them.

Does Hyperfocus Happen with Autism?

Although hyperfocus tends to be less intense than hyperfixation, it does occur in individuals with autism. Hyperfocus is more goal-directed or task-oriented, which would make it much easier for a person to switch context after the completion of a task. For instance, a person with high-functioning autism may become extremely engrossed in the completion of a project and then naturally pull away from that activity into something else after the project is completed.

Although hyperfocus is usually a more productive and goal-directed state, it has some similarities to hyperfixation, with the fact they both deal with intense focus. The major difference is the possibility or ability to switch to a different task when the first one is finished, which may be hard for someone in a hyperfixated state.

Tips for Managing Hyperfixation in Autism Establish Clear Routines: 

Structured and clear routines can help a person with autism manage his or her hyperfixations. Knowing what times the breaks will happen or what times the tasks will change can lower the anxiety and keep them from becoming so fixated on one activity.

• Employ Visual Cues: 

Visual reminders, such as clocks or lists, encourage students to shift from one activity to another. Alarms or timers serve as very gentle reminders to take breaks.

• New Activities Should Be Introduced Gradually: 

Gradual introduction is essential when trying to redirect an individual’s focus concerning new activities. For instance, if they are glued to a video game, you might suggest a short break and a new interest that is still relevant to what they have been doing, such as drawing something associated with the game. 

• Offer Positive Reinforcement: 

Although it’s not the only solution, providing some rewards or positive reinforcement for switching tasks will certainly increase the impression of accomplishment and make the task easier with time. 

• Encourage an Encounter with Other People: 

Encouragement to partake in social activities or hobbies that are done with other people sometimes break the isolation that hyperfixation creates. Group boxing, art classes, or a social club are examples where things would require involvement with others but increase variety as well.

Wrapping Up

It leads to the conclusion that the hyperfixation of so much complex behavior of so many in today’s society is the individuals who possess it as an autistic feature. It can be a strength or a challenge according to the circumstances and how it is managed. However, studying the nuances of hyperfixation from hyperfocus makes it more meaningful for individuals, caregivers, and educators in designing strategies that can help maintain a healthy balance of activities for overall well-being.

Understanding the same scenario, TheRehabSupport experts have their extensive guidance ready for you! The process of guiding, structuring, and encouragement can facilitate the navigation between interests and hobbies and definitely allows promising directions for future enrichment in life without jeopardizing other tasks.