The Deep Lens Model is a practical and compassionate approach that helps adults support neurodivergent individuals by focusing on what they care about most: their special interests.

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Instead of trying to shift children away from their passions, this model encourages us to go deeper into them, creating more space for connection, learning, and emotional wellbeing.

For many neurodivergent individuals, a strong interest in one topic, for example dinosaurs, isn’t just a hobby. It’s a source of comfort, confidence, and joy. These interests help children feel safe, regulated, and motivated.

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But sometimes, adults worry that these interests are “too narrow” or “obsessive.” They might try to redirect the individuals’s focus toward more “typical” topics. While well-meaning, this approach can often make things harder, not easier.

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The Deep Lens Model offers a different path:
Instead of pulling attention away, we follow it... deeply and respectfully.

1. Special interests are a safe base
They give individuals something to return to when the world feels overwhelming.

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2. Deep focus is a strength
Instead of scattering attention, we build on what they already love and understand.

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3. Stay inside the passion but stretch it
For example, a love of dinosaurs can open up science, art, history, and even social opportunities without leaving dinosaurs behind.

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4. Connection grows through interest
Relationships, communication, and learning often happen more naturally when we meet the child in their world, not ours.

A early-teenage male I worked with had a deep and long-standing interest in dinosaurs. Adults around him were concerned that this interest was limiting his social skills, so they tried to introduce him to other interests like football and modern history.

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He became anxious, withdrawn, and less engaged.

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When we shifted to a Deep Lens approach, everything changed. We explored:

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• The science behind prehistoric habitats and ecosystems

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• The history of fossil discovery in different cultures

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• Creative projects like building dioramas and making digital art

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• Social opportunities, including co-leading a dinosaur workshop for younger children

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He became calmer, happier, and more confident because he felt seen, supported, and understood. 

The Deep Lens Model is based on:

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• Monotropism theory, which explains how autistic minds focus deeply on a few topics rather than spreading attention thinly

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• Research on special interests, which shows these passions support identity, self-esteem, and emotional wellbeing

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• Strengths-based, neuroaffirming practice, which moves away from “fixing” the individual and toward honouring who they are