2023: Embrace the SpIn

The Notebook
Written By Mark Fairbanks, Co-Founder & Executive Director

SpIn is a new word that’s been added to the IOB lexicon recently, even though it’s a very familiar concept to all of us. It’s the melding of two words into one: Special + Interest = SpIn. The #actuallyautistic community has coined the term to describe the passions and interests autistic individuals love to spend hours focusing on and digging into. We’ve seen many over the years: Pokemon, Super Mario, Marvel Universe, Thomas the Tank Engine, Spongebob, anime, Star Wars, dogs, cats, and even goats!

SpIn is at the heart of all the programming we do at IOB. Focusing on special interests creates immediate buy-in and makes the autistic student the subject matter expert. When we combine SpIn with imagination, powerful creative technologies, and all-in mentorship, the resulting boost of self-confidence and celebration of knowledge and accomplishment is a powerful experience for our students—one that they rarely receive elsewhere. Actress Chloe Hayden, a prominent autistic voice on Twitter (@chloeshayden) and author of Different Not Less, writes: “Your special interests are not childish. They are not cringey. Your special interests are vital to your health, your wellbeing, your existence.”

At a recent gathering of art educators hosted by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, I ran a workshop that introduced the concept of SpIn. We asked participants to pair up and take turns talking about their own special interest for one minute while the other listened. Afterwards, we asked each pairing to share what they had learned about their partner. We heard about coin collecting, baking, singing, home tinkering, and much more. It was a fun exercise that demonstrated that when we spend time understanding and appreciating another person’s interests, we can begin to make deeper connections that build empathy and relationships.

January is always a time of resolutions, goal-setting, introducing new habits, and envisioning how our lives can be happier and healthier in the new year.

This year, I have a suggestion for you: Embrace the SpIn.

What are some new ways that you can embrace the special interests of your autistic loved one, and turn it into a memorable (and fun!) experience? Additionally, how can you utilize your SpIn to create a moment of joy for your autistic loved one? Let me give you some examples.

Harry Fairbanks with his parents, Margaret and Mark.

For those new to Islands of Brilliance, welcome! And for those familiar, you know that my autistic son Harry’s SpIn is trains. From Thomas the Tank Engine, to model railroading, to train history, to train travel, this subject matter not only brings him joy, it’s helped him find a community and develop independence that we never would have dreamed of when he was diagnosed. As a 24 year old autistic adult, he regularly plans trips each year to railroad museums across the country he wants to visit. He books tickets on Amtrak, makes hotel reservations, and travels independently.

This year, one of my goals is to focus on creating new experiences. One of the experiences that’s been on my list the past few years is a trip to Mesa Verde National Park in southwest Colorado. It's known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings, notably the huge Cliff Palace. For the past few years, Harry has talked about a railroad museum he wants to visit in Colorado. It just so happens the Durango-Silverton steam locomotive excursion through the San Juan mountains is only 30 miles from Mesa Verde National Park.

SpIn Powers Unite!

Needless to say, when I broached the possibility of visiting Mesa Verde and the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, it quickly went from being a hypothetical trip to a done deal in his mind. And that’s the beauty—in late May we’ll both enjoy an amazing experience. Together.

Of course, there are less extravagant ways of embracing and combining special interests. Does your autistic son or daughter love Pixar movies? Surprise them with one of the many behind the scenes concept art books about their favorite film. Better yet, spend time looking at the book yourself, then share with them what you found interesting. (Did you see those 20 different concept approaches to Mr. Incredible? Amazing! Which was your favorite?) Any interest you take in their interest is an opportunity for good things to happen.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t encourage you to indulge your SpIn this year. Take the time to learn something new, or try something different. Nourishing our small passions is one of the keys to maintaining a sense of purpose that leads to better mental health.

And that’s how we sustain a happy New Year, all year.

Mark Fairbanks, Co-Founder & Executive Director

Mark Fairbanks is Cofounder and Executive Director of Islands of Brilliance. Mark brings his background in visual and user-centered design to develop curriculum as well as the overall experience of IOB. With 25 years of experience working in advertising, design and digital agencies in Milwaukee and Minneapolis—not to mention work published in prestigious international award shows including Communication Arts and The One Show—his standing in the creative community is a great asset in recruiting the hundreds of professionals and undergraduate students who represent the IOB volunteer community.

Mark is also the Social Entrepreneur in Residence at UW-Milwaukee’s Lubar Entrepreneurship Center, where he provides mentorship to student entrepreneurs and leads workshops on social innovation. He is also the host and curator of Social Good Morning – a monthly speaker series featuring local leaders in the social innovation movement.

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