We Are Weak and They Know It
Manipulation without the feeling of being manipulated is the most effective kind.
28 February 2026
998
998
Hi, I'm Richard. On this blog, I share thoughts, personal stories — and what I'm working on. I hope this article brings you some value.
Every Person is Unique: Flow, Special Interests, and Hyperfocus
Neurodivergent hyperfocus, flow and cognition
Listen to this article
0:00 / 0:00
When I talk to people about someone with certain unique traits, I often hear statements like, “You can’t deal with him, he’s autistic.” Words associated with neurodivergence are used almost exclusively in a negative context.
To clarify, neurodivergent individuals are those whose cognitive and neurological processes differ from the average.
Let’s first break down how these terms are commonly understood in today’s society, using autism as an example.
Stereotypes and Misconceptions
Prejudices against people who exhibit traits commonly associated with neurodivergence often stem from stereotypes. The general perception tends to polarize: on one side, we have successful personalities like Elon Musk; on the other, the idea of individuals entirely "incapable" of functioning in society. The media plays a significant role in this. Movies and TV series often portray characters with autistic traits as genius outsiders.
Another layer of prejudice arises from the way autistic traits are framed as part of an autism spectrum disorder. Discussions revolve around illness, diagnosis, and treatment. Concepts become blurred—either everyone with certain traits is grouped with diagnosed autistics, including those who face significant challenges and cannot function independently (which is a separate topic I do not intend to downplay here), or there is an artificial and unhelpful categorization of individuals with unique traits. There is an excessive and unnecessary effort to simplify this complex subject to create the illusion that we understand it. To me, this seems like the opposite of understanding. Complex questions do not have simple answers.
It is important to emphasize that not everyone who exhibits so-called autistic traits manifests all these characteristics, and if they do, it is to varying degrees. Moreover, not everyone who appears to exhibit an autistic trait is autistic. A unique way of experiencing and interacting with the world requires an individualized approach if we truly want to understand it.
Every person is unique—some exhibit the traits listed below, while others are unique in different ways.
What Are Autistic Traits According to the World Health Organization (WHO)?
To highlight an ongoing issue in modern practices, let’s examine how autism is diagnosed in medical settings.
- Social Interaction Difficulties:
- Difficulty understanding and using nonverbal communication cues (e.g., eye contact, gestures, facial expressions).
- Lack of reciprocity in social relationships (e.g., sharing interests or emotions).
- Communication Challenges:
- Delayed or absent speech development without alternative communication methods (e.g., gestures).
- Echolalia (repetition of words or phrases).
- Problems initiating or maintaining a dialogue.
- Repetitive Behaviors and Interests:
- Strong fixation on routines or rituals.
- Repetitive movements.
- Limited or intense focus on specific topics or objects.
- Sensory Processing:
- Hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to sensory inputs (e.g., sounds, lights, textures).
- Unusual reactions to sounds, colors, or physical touch.
- Cognitive and Emotional Behavior:
- Difficulty understanding others' perspectives.
- Trouble adapting to changes or unexpected events.
When you read this, you may recognize yourself in some of these characteristics. However, this does not mean you are diagnosable as autistic, nor does it mean you have a condition that requires treatment. And it certainly does not mean that it is something that should disqualify you.
Flow, Special Interests, and Hyperfocus
Let’s look at an example of how superficial understanding can lead to confusion in concepts. I am not autistic (I have no reason to think so), but that does not mean that someone looking at my past behavior superficially couldn’t find, for instance, signs of intense interest.
or just this article
Get the full article by email and feel free to reply if you want to discuss it further.
Summary
Media creates polarized perceptions of neurodivergent people — either genius outliers or entirely incapable. Reality is far more nuanced. Not everyone exhibiting certain traits manifests all characteristics. Flow, special interests, and hyperfocus deserve individual analysis, not categorical labels.
Common questions about this topic?
What does neurodivergent mean?
Neurodivergent refers to individuals whose cognitive and neurological processes differ from the statistical average. This encompasses differences in sensory processing, social interaction, focus, and cognition. The term describes natural variation in how brains work — not a disease or deficiency. In the article, the emphasis is on approaching each person individually rather than applying categorical labels.
What is the difference between flow, hyperfocus, and special interests?
These three concepts are often confused but describe different phenomena. Flow, described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is a short-term state of complete immersion that anyone can experience when skill matches challenge. Hyperfocus is an intense absorption often associated with ADHD, sometimes at the cost of self-control and time awareness. Special interests are deep, sustained fascinations with specific topics, commonly associated with autism. In the article, the distinctions are explored to show how superficial understanding leads to misapplication of labels.
Can someone exhibit autistic traits without being autistic?
Yes. Clinical research confirms that autistic traits exist on a continuum across the general population, with autism representing the more intense end of the spectrum. Exhibiting some traits from diagnostic criteria does not mean a person meets the threshold for diagnosis — which requires that traits cause clinically significant impairment in daily functioning. In the article, this point is made explicitly: recognising yourself in a list of characteristics does not mean you are diagnosable or that you need treatment.
Why are media portrayals of autism misleading?
Media tends to polarise between two stereotypes: the genius outsider and the person entirely incapable of functioning in society. Research published in peer-reviewed journals confirms that these representations oversimplify the neurodivergent spectrum and do not reflect the diversity within the community. In the article, this polarisation is identified as a significant source of prejudice — reducing complex, individual experiences to simplistic categories.
What are the WHO diagnostic criteria for autism?
According to the WHO's ICD-11 classification, autism spectrum disorder is characterised by persistent deficits in social interaction and communication, and by restricted, repetitive, and inflexible patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities. Sensory processing differences and cognitive-emotional variations are also recognised features. In the article, these criteria are listed to highlight an important point: many people may recognise themselves in some characteristics without meeting the diagnostic threshold.
If you have any thoughts, questions, or feedback, feel free to drop me a message at mail@richardgolian.com.
Newsletter
New articles to your inbox