Wenn Lawson

Curtin University, Perth, Curtin School of Allied Health, Adjunct

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Dr. Wenn is a British Psychologist, a member of the APS and AASW, an autistic lecturer, Advocate, Researcher, Writer and Poet. Wenn is passionate about autism research and the various intersections individuals live with. Wenn works with Curtin University Autism Research group (CARG) (WA)

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A trans-diagnostic investigation of attention, hyper-focus, and monotropism in autism, attention dysregulation hyperactivity development, and the general population

Neurodiversity, 2024

The monotropism hypothesis posits that hyper-focus on interests is core to autistic cognition; mo... more The monotropism hypothesis posits that hyper-focus on interests is core to autistic cognition; moreover, hyper-focus is common in attention dysregulation hyperactivity development (ADHD). However, ADHD is partly defined by susceptibility to distraction, and research has found evidence of attention capture in autism. We investigated hyper-focus in autism and ADHD, its relationship to inattention, and whether it is related to quality of life, hypervigilance, negative repetitive thinking, and symptoms of anxiety and depression. 492 adults (122 ADHD-only, 130 autistic-only, 141 autistic + ADHD, and 99 comparison) completed questionnaires indexing hyper-focus in multiple domains, inattention, and the valence of their hyper-focus experiences. Hyper-focus and inattention were elevated in all neurodivergent groups, and were positively correlated, implying that atypical regulation of attention, sometimes manifesting in hyper-focus and sometimes in inattention, is a trans-diagnostic phenomenon. Hyper-focus predicted poorer global quality of life, more hypervigilance, more negative repetitive thinking, and more symptoms of anxiety and depression; however, positive experiences of hyper-focus mediated an indirect relationship between hyper-focus and greater quality of life, partially attenuating the overall negative association. Indeed, neurodivergent participants not only reported more negative experiences of hyper-focus than controls, but also more positive experiences. Further studies could explore contextual factors influencing whether hyper-focus has positive or negative impacts on daily life.

“In a State of Flow”: A Qualitative Examination of Autistic Adults' Phenomenological Experiences of Task Immersion

Background: There is considerable conceptual overlap between Autistic hyperfocus and flow, yet th... more Background: There is considerable conceptual overlap between Autistic hyperfocus and flow, yet these phenomena have seldom been associated in the literature. Moreover, no studies have provided an in-depth empirical investigation of Autistic people&#39;s flow-like or hyperfocus experiences. In this study, we sought to address this gap by investigating Autistic people&#39;s phenomenological experiences of task immersion, and how their experiences relate to existing conceptualizations of flow, hyperfocus, and monotropism. Methods: To address this aim, we drew on data from a broader qualitative study, designed in partnership with Autistic community members, to understand Autistic people&#39;s experiences of Autistic inertia. For that broader study, Autistic and non-Autistic researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 Autistic adults about their everyday experiences of starting and stopping tasks. During these interviews, participants repeatedly discussed their experiences of task immersion and the benefits and challenges associated with it. We analyzed these responses specifically, using reflexive thematic analysis, adopting a combination of deductive and inductive approaches within an essentialist framework. Results: Our participants&#39; accounts closely matched conceptual understandings of flow, Autistic hyperfocus, and monotropism. Specifically, the analysis revealed the all-encompassing nature of task immersion experiences, and how it could be difficult to &#39;&#39;find the balance&#39;&#39; between the joy and other aspects of everyday life. Despite the drawbacks, participants were glad to be immersed because they felt they could be themselves, with no pretences. Conclusions: These results are important for reframing task immersion as a state of great potential value to Autistic people&#39;s lives, but one that may require additional support if it is to play its role in enabling Autistic people to flourish.

''In a State of Flow'': A Qualitative Examination of Autistic Adults' Phenomenological Experiences of Task Immersion

Autism in Aduthood, 2024

Background: There is considerable conceptual overlap between Autistic hyperfocus and flow, yet th... more Background: There is considerable conceptual overlap between Autistic hyperfocus and flow, yet these phenomena have seldom been associated in the literature. Moreover, no studies have provided an in-depth empirical investigation of Autistic people's flow-like or hyperfocus experiences. In this study, we sought to address this gap by investigating Autistic people's phenomenological experiences of task immersion, and how their experiences relate to existing conceptualizations of flow, hyperfocus, and monotropism. Methods: To address this aim, we drew on data from a broader qualitative study, designed in partnership with Autistic community members, to understand Autistic people's experiences of Autistic inertia. For that broader study, Autistic and non-Autistic researchers conducted semi-structured interviews with 24 Autistic adults about their everyday experiences of starting and stopping tasks. During these interviews, participants repeatedly discussed their experiences of task immersion and the benefits and challenges associated with it. We analyzed these responses specifically, using reflexive thematic analysis, adopting a combination of deductive and inductive approaches within an essentialist framework. Results: Our participants' accounts closely matched conceptual understandings of flow, Autistic hyperfocus, and monotropism. Specifically, the analysis revealed the all-encompassing nature of task immersion experiences, and how it could be difficult to ''find the balance'' between the joy and other aspects of everyday life. Despite the drawbacks, participants were glad to be immersed because they felt they could be themselves, with no pretences. Conclusions: These results are important for reframing task immersion as a state of great potential value to Autistic people's lives, but one that may require additional support if it is to play its role in enabling Autistic people to flourish.

Wenn Lawson

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