Have you ever been so deeply focused on something that the rest of the world just fades away? That’s monotropism in action! Monotropism is a way of thinking in which the brain focuses on a few key interests instead of spreading attention thinly across lots of different things.This deep focus is a superpower for many autistic people and ADHDers. Still, it also comes with some challenges—especially when it comes to interoception, our ability to sense what’s happening inside our bodies.
When someone with a monotropic brain is intensely focused, they may not notice important bodily signals like hunger, thirst, or fatigue. This disconnection from interoception can make it harder to maintain well-being and emotional balance.
If this sounds familiar to you, your child, or your client, exploring interoception can be a game-changer! I have developed interoception resources that provide valuable insights and strategies to help individuals reconnect with their bodies in ways that support both focus and self-care. Check out my interoceptive resources today, and keep reading to learn more about interoception and its connection to monotropism.
What Is Monotropism?
Monotropism is all about deep focus. Instead of juggling a bunch of different things at once, monotropic thinkers immerse themselves in special interests, soaking up every detail. Compare that to polytropic thinkers, who are more like multi-taskers, processing multiple things at once but at a surface level.
Challenges Faced by Monotropic Thinkers
The monotropic mind is amazing, but let’s be real—our world isn’t exactly set up for it. Schools, workplaces, and social environments often favor polytropic processing, making it tricky for monotropic thinkers to thrive. Here are some of the big challenges:
1. Living in a Polytropic World
We live in a fast-paced world that expects people to multitask and switch focus constantly. Think about school—where you’re expected to transition from math to history to science in short bursts. That’s not exactly ideal for someone whose brain loves diving deep into a single subject! The pressure to adapt to this system can be exhausting and frustrating.
2. Disconnection from Interoception
Because monotropic thinkers can get so locked into their focus, they might not notice when their body is sending them important signals—like hunger, thirst, or the need to take a break. Ever been so absorbed in a project that you suddenly realize you haven’t eaten all day? That’s the interoception-monotropism connection happening to you!
3. Not Always Feeling Their Feels
Monotropism can also make it harder to tune into emotions. If attention is directed outward toward an interest, there may be fewer opportunities to check in on how the body feels. Over time, this can make emotional regulation and self-awareness more challenging. How can you overcome that challenge? Interoception!
What Is Masking and Its Relationship to Monotropism?
Masking is something that many neurodivergent people do—often without even realizing it. It’s the process of adjusting or suppressing natural behaviors to fit in or meet societal expectations.
For monotropic thinkers, masking might mean pretending to be more “polytropic”—forcing themselves to switch focus quickly, suppressing deep interests, or hiding struggles with body awareness. This can take a serious toll on mental health and self-identity.
Masking isn’t just about appearing “normal.” It’s often a survival strategy developed over years of social pressure and expectation. Many autistic individuals learn early on that their natural way of processing the world isn’t widely understood or accepted. As a result, they may push themselves to mimic neurotypical behaviors, even if it causes stress, exhaustion, or long-term harm.
For monotropic thinkers, masking can be particularly challenging. Their deep focus and flow states may be misinterpreted as disengagement or rudeness, constantly prompting them to shift attention in ways that feel unnatural. Over time, this internal battle between authenticity and social conformity can lead to burnout, anxiety, and a loss of self-identity.
Want to Learn More About Masking?
Check Out My Video!
I go deeper into the topic of masking in my recent video—check it out to learn more about how masking impacts neurodivergent people and ways to support unmasking!
The Connection Between Monotropism, Masking, and Interoception
Here’s the big picture:
- Monotropism leads to deep focus, but that focus can make it difficult to notice bodily needs and emotions.
- Masking encourages disconnection from interoceptive signals, as individuals prioritize external expectations over their internal experiences.
- Over time, this leads to a cycle of interoceptive suppression, where emotional and physical needs are ignored, making self-care and self-awareness harder to maintain.
Interoception plays a crucial role in breaking this cycle. When someone begins to reconnect with their body and recognize their own needs, it becomes easier to step away from masking and embrace authenticity. This process, however, isn’t always easy—it takes time, patience, and support from those who understand the neurodivergent experience.
Unmasking isn’t just about letting go of external expectations. It’s about rebuilding a relationship with oneself. Many individuals find that practices such as mindfulness, body awareness exercises, and interoception training help them reconnect with their internal experiences. By recognizing and respecting their monotropic processing style, they can develop strategies to navigate the world in a way that supports their well-being rather than working against it.
Understanding the connection between monotropism, masking, and interoception is a huge step toward creating a more affirming world—one that encourages deep focus, body awareness, and genuine self-expression.
Dive Deeper into These Topics with Our Two-Part Course
Excited to learn more? My colleague Kieran Rose and I have created two on-demand courses that dig into these topics. Both courses are packed with practical insights and strategies—plus, they’re designed to be accessible, flexible, and truly transformative. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to better understand yourself and support your journey toward authenticity. Sign up today!
On-Demand Course: Interoception and Monotropism: Paying Attention to Autistic and ADHD Experiences
This course explores how monotropic thinking impacts body awareness and how neurodivergent individuals can strengthen their interoceptive connection. If you’ve ever struggled with tuning into your body’s needs while in a deep focus state, this course is for you. You’ll gain valuable strategies to support better self-awareness and regulation in a way that respects your unique processing style. Take this AOTA-approved provider course on its own or in conjunction with the second part of this series.
On-Demand Course: Lost Connections: The Relationship Between Interoception and Masking
Masking can create a deep disconnect from one’s own body and emotions. In this course, we break down the impact of long-term masking on interoception and identity. You’ll learn practical steps to foster self-awareness, authenticity, and overall well-being. If you’ve ever felt like you’ve lost touch with your true self in an effort to meet external expectations, this course will help guide you toward a healthier and more fulfilling connection with your body and mind.
Other Resources to Implement
Want to go even deeper? Check out these tools and resources:
- Monotropism Assessment – A free online assessment to explore your processing style.
- Camouflaging Autistic Traits Questionnaire (CAT-Q) – A tool to better understand masking.
Follow me on social media for more insights and discussions:
- Facebook: @KellyMahler
- Instagram: @kelly_mahler
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KellyMahlerOT
The World Needs All Types of Brains!
At the end of the day, monotropism isn’t something to “fix”—it’s something to embrace! The world thrives on diversity of thought, and deep-focus thinkers bring so much value to our communities. Whether you’re an individual navigating your own experiences or someone supporting a monotropic thinker, understanding interoception can be a key piece of the puzzle.
My interoception resources are designed to help you reconnect with your body, build awareness, and create a more balanced, fulfilling experience. Don’t miss out—explore all the courses, tools, and insights today and take the first step toward a deeper connection with yourself!