What is monotropism

By: Julie Landry

Have you ever felt intensely focused on a single interest or task, to the extent that the world around you seems to fade away? Or perhaps you've noticed that when you concentrate on something you're passionate about, it's difficult to switch your attention to anything else. If these experiences sound familiar, you might be interested in the concept of monotropism. The monotropism questionnaire is a tool designed to help individuals understand how monotropic thinking patterns might be influencing their lives. This blog provides an in-depth look at monotropism, the purpose and structure of the questionnaire, and guidance on how to score and interpret your results.

Understanding Monotropism

Monotropism might sound like a complex term but it's simply used to describe a unique way some people experience the world. It's a cognitive approach where your attention zooms in on a narrow set of interests or tasks with intense focus. This singular concentration can make multitasking or shifting attention challenging, but it also allows for hyperfocus and deep dives into our special interests. Recognizing and understanding these patterns can help us in developing strategies to navigate situations that require a broader spectrum of attention as well as learning to appreciate the unique focus as a strength in some areas.

While often discussed in the context of autism, the concept of monotropism refers to a broader spectrum of cognitive diversity, highlighting how varied our thinking and processing styles are. So monotropism isn’t just another term associated with adult autism. It’s a lens through which individuals can view their interactions with the world and foster a deeper appreciation of their cognitive way of being.

The Purpose of the Monotropism Questionnaire

The monotropism questionnaire is a self-report measure that was designed to measure monotropic thinking. Recently the researchers who developed the questionnaire administered the questionnaire to 1,110 participants as a way to assess its validity. The study found that the questionnaire scores were significantly higher for autistics compared to allistic participants. Researchers also found that both autism and ADHD were significantly associated with higher montropism scores. You can find the full research paper here: 'Development and Validation of a Novel Self-Report Measure of Monotropism in Autistic and Non-Autistic People'.

Beyond research, the questionnaire went viral because so many people were interested in discovering more about their patterns of attention and interests that characterize monotropic thinking, and the questionnaire is perfect for that. It’s a great tool for exploring neurodivergence, offering insights into why people may perceive and interact with the world in the unique ways that they do. This process can be particularly validating for individuals who have often felt at odds with conventional expectations or social norms by providing a sense of clarity and validation for their experiences. The results of the self-assessment may help facilitate meaningful conversations with healthcare professionals and (hopefully) make it easier to access targeted support and strategies tailored to one's specific, and unique, neurotype.

Autism and Monotropism

The montorpism questionnaire has been described as a great tool for adult autism assessment, but that characterization is inaccurate. The MQ isn’t intended and wasn’t designed, for adult autism testing or even as an autism screening questionnaire. This confusion stems from the fact that monotropism was developed as a theory of autism, but so far, there isn’t enough research to determine whether all autistics are monotropic. It’s also unclear how ADHD (and other conditions associated with neurodivergence) fits into the theory of monotropism.

An Overview of the Questionnaire Items

The monotropism questionnaire includes 47 statements that were generated by actually autistic adults based on both their lived experience and academic expertise. The items explore the intensity of your concentration, the ease or struggle you experience when shifting focus from one activity to another, and your reaction to environments demanding simultaneous engagement with multiple tasks. Each statement is intended to capture your interaction with the world through a monotropic lens. Remember, the inquiries are not judgments but reflections, designed to highlight the unique ways you navigate your interests and the world around you.

You can find a free version of the questionnaire here.

How to Approach the Questionnaire

The monotropism questionnaire is a unique and novel opportunity to explore aspects of your cognitive style that may have felt invisible or misunderstood previously. As you’re thinking about completing the questionnaire, it's important to create a space of honesty and openness with yourself. Each question is an opportunity to identify your way of experiencing and interacting with the world, so give yourself permission to respond with authentic reflections of your experiences. There are no right or wrong answers; it’s just a chance to better understand your patterns of thought and attention.

When answering, consider your behaviors and feelings over a range of situations and time rather than focusing on singular events. Some questions may resonate strongly with you while others might not feel as applicable. That’s okay. The goal is for your responses to reflect your typical experiences and to offer a framework for understanding and embracing your unique way of being in the world.

Scoring the Questionnaire

The free online version of the questionnaire (mentioned above) uses automated scoring. The scoring is a relatively straightforward process. As you work your way through the items, each statement evaluates the pattern of your interests and how these translate into your daily life. The responses for each statement are assigned a numerical value based on your level of agreement or disagreement.

After you’ve answered all of the questionnaire items, your score is tallied. The sum provides a cumulative score that represents your unique profile of attention and interest as it relates to monotropism. Regardless of the result, this self-reflection of your lived experiences and cognitive style is an act of self-exploration and another step toward acknowledging and appreciating the nuances of your interaction with the world around you.

Next Steps After the Questionnaire

Once you have the insight gained from the questionnaire results, what should you do next? Some people seek professional input in the form of a neurodiversity-affirming adult autism assessment or an AuDHD assessment, which provides a comprehensive understanding of your unique cognitive patterns. Therapy and coaching can also be useful in learning tailored strategies that align with your specific needs, helping you to better manage any monotropism-related struggles. Coaching can also help you to learn how to best use your focused attention to your advantage.

Engagement with others within the neurodivergent community is another great option following the MQ. There are tons of online groups and social media accounts where content creators and others with similar lived experiences gather to share support, advice, and advocacy. These spaces not only offer validation but can also introduce you to diverse perspectives and coping strategies that you might not have considered.

After completing the questionnaire, most people continue their journey of self-exploration and personal growth. Each step you take post-questionnaire is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of your neurotype and cultivate an environment for yourself that celebrates your unique way of experiencing the world.

Additional Considerations

Exploring and understanding your cognitive patterns through the monotropism questionnaire is an insightful step toward embracing your unique way of thinking. But it’s important to remember that this tool is just one source of information in the broader process of self-discovery. While monotropism is a significant aspect of cognitive diversity, it only represents one facet of the complex picture that makes up an individual's cognitive profile. Everyone's mind is dynamic and multifaceted, with various patterns of thought, attention, and learning styles interweaving to create a unique way of thinking.

As you process your results and what they mean for you, it's important to remain open to discovering other aspects of neurodiversity that might resonate with your experiences. This openness can lead to a more nuanced understanding of yourself, illuminating how different elements of neurodiversity intersect and influence your perspective and interactions with the world.

It's also valuable to consider the fluidity of cognitive patterns over time. Life experiences, changes in environment, transitions, stressors, and personal growth can all contribute to shifts in how we think and process information. Revisiting the concept of monotropism and other neurodiverse traits periodically may provide fresh insights and support continuous personal discovery and understanding. By acknowledging the breadth and depth of cognitive diversity, you empower yourself to navigate life with a better more nuanced understanding of your strengths and how best to engage with the world around you.

NeuroSpark Health provides the support you need to understand your distinct cognitive style.

Whether you’re seeking a formal autism diagnosis, questioning whether you’re AuDHD, or self-identified and pursuing coaching support, you don’t have to do it alone. Whatever way you choose to explore your neurodivergence is valid, and you’re welcome here.

NeuroSpark Health specializes in neurodiversity and offers in-depth analysis through assessment, tailored strategies, and compassionate guidance to help you leverage your monotropic tendencies to your advantage.