Monotropism, ADHD, AuDHD, and Autism
Unlocking the Attention Tunnel
What Is Monotropism?
What Is Monotropism?
Monotropism, a theory developed in the 1990s by Dr. Dinah Murray and her team, proposes that some neurodivergent individuals—particularly those with ADHD and autism—process attention through a "narrow attention tunnel." This means their focus is intensely directed toward one interest, task, or area at a time, often to the exclusion of other stimuli or demands.
In contrast, a "polytropic" attention system allows for more flexible distribution of attention across multiple tasks or interests simultaneously.
Imagine looking through a tunnel: what’s directly in front of you is vivid and clear, while everything else fades into the background. This narrowed focus is the hallmark of monotropism.
How Monotropism Works
Narrow Attention Tunnel: Attention is tightly directed to one or two areas of interest, leaving other inputs unnoticed.
Sticky Attention: Once focused, switching gears can be challenging—a phenomenon often referred to as task lock or autistic inertia.
Emotionally or Sensory-Driven Focus: Tasks that feel exciting, meaningful, or rewarding are more likely to hold attention.
Expanding Monotropism Beyond Autism
Originally developed to explain attention patterns in autism, monotropism has since been recognized as relevant to ADHD as well. Recent research by Dwyer et al. (2024) highlights that both ADHD and autism involve atypical attention regulation, encompassing both hyperfocus and inattention.
How Hyperfocus Manifests:
In Autism: Hyperfocus often centers on "special interests," where individuals may dive deeply into learning everything about a particular subject.
In ADHD: Hyperfocus is often context-dependent, emerging during tasks that feel inherently rewarding or stimulating, such as hobbies or engaging challenges.
In AuDHD (Autism + ADHD): Individuals may exhibit characteristics of both—intense focus on a subject but frequent shifts to other exciting tasks.
This overlap reveals that monotropism isn’t exclusive to autism and challenges stereotypes that ADHD is solely about distractibility. It highlights the complexity and diversity in how attention functions across neurodivergence.
Are Hyperfocus and Monotropism the Same?
Not quite.
Hyperfocus refers to a state of being deeply immersed in an activity, where time and external distractions fade away.
Monotropism is a cognitive style. It explains why someone’s mind funnels attention into a small number of areas, creating the conditions for hyperfocus to occur.
How They Work Together
Monotropism acts as the mechanism that narrows the “attention tunnel,” while hyperfocus is what happens inside that tunnel when something captures attention.
But Isn’t ADHD About Distractibility?
Yes, but that’s only part of the picture.
Understanding ADHD Attention Patterns:
Inattentiveness and Distractibility: ADHD is often characterized by difficulty sustaining focus on non-preferred tasks, with attention easily pulled in multiple directions.
Hyperfocus Episodes: Paradoxically, people with ADHD can experience intense focus on tasks they find highly rewarding or stimulating.
Variable Attention: ADHD attention patterns are inconsistent, heavily influenced by factors like interest, environment, and task type.
This variability explains why ADHD attention doesn’t always fit neatly into the monotropism framework but can overlap in certain contexts.
Why Understanding Monotropism Across ADHD and Autism Matters
Recognizing monotropism as a shared feature of ADHD and autism reframes attention differences as natural, adaptive traits rather than deficits. Here’s why it’s important:
1. Reframing Attention Differences
Narrowed attention and deep focus aren’t failures—they’re different cognitive styles with unique strengths.
Viewing attention this way reduces stigma and promotes a more affirming understanding of neurodivergence.
2. Highlighting Creative and Intellectual Potential
The ability to focus deeply on specific problems or interests can drive creativity, innovation, and mastery.
Many breakthroughs in art, science, and technology have come from people whose focus aligns with monotropism.
3. Normalizing Task-Switching Challenges
Individuals with monotropism may find multitasking or switching tasks particularly difficult because their attention is naturally funneled into a few areas.
Understanding this can reduce shame or frustration in environments that demand frequent switching.
4. Understanding the Dual Nature of Hyperfocus
Monotropism creates the "attention tunnel" that enables hyperfocus. While this can lead to incredible productivity and creativity, it also has downsides:
Anxiety from getting stuck in repetitive or negative thinking.
Difficulty managing unrelated responsibilities or priorities.
5. Breaking Down Diagnostic Barriers
Viewing monotropism as trans-diagnostic challenges the notion that ADHD and autism are entirely separate conditions.
It highlights shared experiences across neurodivergence and fosters collaboration in research and support.
The Takeaway
Understanding monotropism bridges the gap between ADHD and autism, helping us reframe attention as a strength rather than a deficit. By shifting this narrative, we can better support neurodivergent individuals in leveraging their focus for growth, creativity, and success while addressing challenges with compassion and practical strategies.
Note: Highly Creative or Driven Individuals
Regardless of neurotype, some people exhibit intense focus when pursuing their passions or projects, particularly in fields like art, science, or entrepreneurship.
Reference
Dwyer, P., Williams, Z. J., Lawson, W. B., & Rivera, S. M. (2024). A trans-diagnostic investigation of attention, hyper-focus, and monotropism in autism, attention dysregulation hyperactivity development, and the general population. Neurodiversity, 2. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330241237883
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