Parallel Processing & Interest-Based Brains: Harnessing Your Neurodivergence to Elevate Your True Self

Hey Thread Weavers!

I’m sitting here trying to juggle market trend analysis, preparing for an upcoming research presentation, and… well, I can’t remember if I had lunch. (Spoiler: I didn’t.) This constant multi-threading of tasks made me realize something: neurodivergent brains don’t just "multitask"—we parallel process. And guess what? It’s actually our superpower.

Understanding the Interest-Based Nervous System

Before we dive into parallel processing, let’s take a moment to appreciate how our neurodivergent brains are wired. We don’t operate on an importance-based nervous system (like the typical “do this because it’s urgent” mindset). Instead, we run on an interest-based system, where tasks that spark excitement and passion flow easily—no matter how complex. It’s not a flaw, it’s a different operating system.

For neurodivergents, our brains light up when something truly captivates us. Think about it: How many of you have worked tirelessly on something you love, only to realize hours have passed in what felt like minutes? That’s the power of interest at work.

The Parallel Processing Paradox

Remember when they said multitasking was impossible? Our neurodivergent brains didn’t get that memo. Instead of juggling tasks and switching gears, we layer them. Yesterday, I was:

• Writing a tech market analysis report on 5+ states
• Leading a Zoom meeting
• Planning this very newsletter
• Stimming with my favorite fidget cube

And here’s the kicker: It worked. Why? Because we aren’t multitasking; we’re parallel processing. Think of it like a symphony—each instrument playing at the same time, and somehow it all works together beautifully.

The Interest-Based Brain: Our Hidden Advantage

Research shows that neurotypicals are driven by urgency and external importance, but for us, it’s about interest. Our brains thrive when we’re engaged, especially when it’s something we care deeply about.

The Dopamine-Interest Connection

Neurodivergent brains often produce less dopamine or process it differently. However, when we’re interested in something, our dopamine pathways light up like a Christmas tree. Rather than fighting this, let’s embrace it and lean into our unique wiring.

Special Interests and Hyperfixations: Harnessing Focus for Learning and Development

For many of us with neurodivergent brains, our attention doesn’t always fit the traditional mold of focus. It can feel like we’re either all in or not at all. But rather than seeing this as a flaw, we can reframe it as a feature of our unique wiring. Let’s talk about special interests and hyperfixations, two sides of the same coin, and how they can fuel our potential if we understand their roles and harness their power.

Defining the Difference: Special Interests vs. Hyperfixations

First, it’s important to draw a clear line between special interests and hyperfixations, as they often get mixed up but have different characteristics and impacts on how we engage with the world.

Special Interests: These are deep, often lifelong passions that resonate so deeply with us that they shape how we understand and interact with the world. For many autistic individuals, special interests are something that can sustain focus and passion for extended periods -sometimes years. They’re often a source of joy, expertise, and personal fulfillment. Think of them as the driving force behind our deep dives into certain subjects, hobbies, or skills. They don’t just hold our attention - they define our perspective.

Hyperfixations: Now, hyperfixations are a little different. They’re more like intense, short-lived bursts of focus that tend to occur unpredictably and are often tied to external stimuli (like a project or new idea). Common in ADHD, hyperfixations can consume our attention, sometimes at the expense of everything else around us. They’re often incredibly productive, but because they’re temporary, they can leave us feeling drained or disoriented once the intensity fades. It’s like switching gears in the middle of a race - fast and furious, but hard to sustain.

Understanding this distinction can help us embrace both our deep, enduring special interests and those fleeting, all-consuming hyperfixations as natural parts of our neurodivergent experience. Instead of feeling like we’re constantly bouncing between extremes, we can start to see how these focus states serve us in different ways at different times.

The Role of Special Interests in Learning and Development

When we really understand and lean into our special interests, they become powerful tools for personal growth. Special interests aren’t just hobbies or distractions—they’re the gateway to knowledge, skill acquisition, and creativity.

For autistic individuals, these interests can spark an intense drive to learn, explore, and deepen our understanding of the world. Because we’re so personally invested in these topics, we can dive into them with a focus that is unrivaled by anything external. Whether it's technology, art, history, or even something niche like data analysis or fidget toys, when we’re deeply connected to our interests, the learning process becomes an extension of ourselves rather than a task we’re “supposed to” do.

The power of special interests lies in their ability to drive deep engagement. When we're engaged, we don't just absorb information - we live it. This type of learning is different because it goes beyond textbooks or lectures; it becomes experiential. And that’s when real growth happens.

In the workplace, special interests can translate into expertise. A person whose special interest is coding or problem-solving doesn’t just “know” the language - they’re fluent in it. They have the ability to innovate, to solve complex problems that others might struggle with, and to share that passion and knowledge with others.

The magic comes from connecting your professional or personal goals to your special interests. If you're working on something that aligns with what truly excites you, your brain shifts from "I have to do this" to "I get to do this," and that's when the real magic happens. Your interests become the engine that powers not only your productivity but your creativity.

Channeling Hyperfixations for Productivity

While special interests are sustained and long-lasting, hyperfixations are our sprint moments. When a hyperfixation kicks in, the world around us fades as we become hyper-focused on a single task, idea, or challenge. This intense focus is where we might crank out a huge amount of work in a short period - whether that’s solving a complex problem, writing an entire research paper, or completing an analysis. But here’s the secret: it doesn’t have to be chaotic or overwhelming.

Hyperfixations can be used strategically. If you know you’re prone to these bursts of intense focus, you can channel them into specific projects or tasks that require deep concentration. The key is recognizing when it’s happening and finding ways to ride the wave without burning out. Setting boundaries, breaking tasks into chunks, and allowing for recovery periods after the “fixation” has run its course can help prevent exhaustion and ensure that you remain productive.

By combining both special interests and hyperfixations, we can design workflows that leverage the deep, sustained engagement of special interests with the burst of productivity from hyperfixations. When used in tandem, they can propel us toward our goals with intensity and focus while allowing us to create sustainable strategies for learning and performance.

The SPARK System: Turning Tasks into Opportunities

I’ve developed a framework that helps me work with my interest-based nervous system. It’s called SPARK:

• S - Sync with Special Interests: Connect every task to something you’re passionate about. Market research? Make it a pattern recognition game.
• P - Play with Presentation: Make things visually engaging. Use colors, images, or anything that excites your brain.
• A - Add Accountability Partners: Find your focus buddies. Body doubling works wonders because interest is contagious.
• R - Reward Novel Approaches: Our brains thrive on novelty. Regularly change your work environment or approach to tasks.
• K - Keep it Challenging: Turn tasks into games. Challenge yourself to innovate or achieve personal milestones.

The Neural Orchestra: Understanding Our Parallel Processing

Imagine your brain is an orchestra conductor, managing:

• Executive function
• Sensory processing
• Creative ideation
• Task execution
• Emotional regulation

For neurotypicals, this could be overwhelming. For us, it’s Tuesday. But with the right strategies, this neural symphony can work in perfect harmony.

The SYNC Method: Steering Your Neural Concert

Here’s my approach to aligning all these processes: SYNC (Synchronizing Your Neural Circuits):

• S - Survey Your Energy: Start by gauging your energy levels. Are you at 20% or 90%? Awareness is key.
• Y - Yield to Your Flow: Lean into what works. Maybe you think better while moving or code more effectively with music.
• N - Navigate Your Needs: Set up your workspace to support parallel processing—three monitors, noise-canceling headphones, and my trusty fidget toys.
• C - Calibrate and Continue: Adjust your parallel processes as needed. Flexibility is essential.

Intersectional Interest Mapping: Understanding Identity and Processing

Being a Latina in tech, my cultural background plays a huge role in how I process information. Growing up bilingual, I trained my brain to handle multiple streams of information simultaneously; just like how we manage parallel processes.

Cultural Influences on Special Interests

Cultural background doesn’t just shape how we approach life; it also influences how we engage with technical fields. Multilingual documentation in tech isn’t just about translation; it's about navigating conceptual frameworks, blending cultural storytelling traditions into clear communication, and enhancing team innovation through different problem-solving methods.

Understanding Neurodivergence and Gender in the Workplace

Neurodivergence can manifest in various ways, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more - each of which affects how we process information and engage with work. When gender intersects with neurodivergence, things can get complex.

Gendered Expectations of Interest and Engagement

Socialization dictates that men and women often approach tasks differently. Men are encouraged to focus deeply on one subject, while women are expected to juggle multiple responsibilities. This creates friction for neurodivergent individuals, who may struggle with task-switching or prioritizing.

• Men: Thrive when channeling focus into one task. However, without intrinsic motivation, multitasking is a struggle.
• Women: Neurodivergent women often find themselves balancing multiple roles. Societal pressure to specialize leads to frustration and burnout.

The Hidden Superpower: Intersectionality and Interest-Based Engagement

The intersection of neurodivergence and gender is a powerful tool in creative problem-solving, especially for leadership roles. Neurodivergent women often excel in roles that require adaptability, flexibility, and juggling multiple interests. Embracing this advantage unlocks new possibilities.

Cultivating Gender-Affirming Spaces for Interest-Based Engagement

To empower neurodivergent individuals, workplaces must affirm the different ways both genders engage with their interest-based systems.

• Affirm Deep Focus for Men: Encourage specialization, allowing men to engage deeply with one interest.
• Support Multitasking for Women: Provide flexible structures so women can balance various responsibilities.
• Break Stereotypes: Foster an environment where everyone can pursue their interests without judgment. This promotes confidence and authentic engagement.

Discovering Your Interest-Based Learning, Engagement, and Motivation: A Neurodivergent Approach to Real-World Success

As a neurodivergent individual, your brain doesn’t work the same way as those who are neurotypical, and that’s not only okay - it’s your superpower. Understanding how your interests, focus, and motivations function is key to creating a pathway to success that feels natural and fulfilling. Let's explore how you can discover your interest-based learning and apply it to real-world scenarios that support your career, passions, and growth.

1. Identifying Your Interests: The Foundation of Your Learning Style

The first step in discovering your interest-based learning style is to identify what truly excites you. For neurodivergent individuals, this might not always be obvious right away, and that’s okay. It’s a process of trial and exploration. Start by paying attention to the activities, topics, or hobbies that hold your attention for an extended period.

Ask yourself:

• What activities do I get lost in?
• Which subjects make time disappear when I dive into them?
• What did I love learning about as a child, or what have I been curious about for years?

Whether it's coding, painting, history, psychology, music theory, or even something niche like ethical hacking or urban planning, special interests are often the gateway to understanding your natural learning style. Hyperfixations may also help to identify what grabs your attention temporarily but intensely; these moments of intense focus might lead you to explore new paths you wouldn’t have considered otherwise.

2. Understanding Your Engagement: Deep Dive or Shallow Focus?

Next, understanding how you engage with your interests is key. Are you someone who thrives on deep, sustained engagement, or do you find that you’re drawn to multiple subjects that you jump in and out of? The way you engage with a topic can offer insight into your ideal work environment.

• Deep Engagement: If you find yourself diving deeply into certain subjects or activities, losing track of time and feeling energized by this sustained focus, this is likely your interest-based learning style. Use this insight to structure your time around tasks that align with your special interests. For example, if you’re passionate about coding, allow yourself blocks of uninterrupted time to work on coding projects, diving deeper into algorithms, or solving complex programming problems.
• Shallow Engagement with Variety: On the other hand, if you find yourself jumping between different ideas or tasks but still feeling engaged, this indicates that your focus is more flexible and transient, leaning toward hyperfixations. This is totally valid! You can structure your work life to accommodate different types of projects, creating an environment where you can start and stop tasks as your focus shifts. This method is particularly effective in dynamic environments like startups or roles that require adaptability and a variety of skills.

3. Discovering Your Motivations: Aligning Your Passion with Purpose

Now that you’ve identified your interests and how you engage with them, it's time to explore why these topics or tasks motivate you. Motivation can be intrinsic (coming from within, like a sense of fulfillment or curiosity) or extrinsic (driven by external rewards like recognition, pay, or success).

Ask yourself:

• What about this interest makes me feel energized or fulfilled?
• How does working in this area make me feel when I accomplish something related to it?
• Am I motivated by solving problems, creating new things, helping others, or gaining knowledge?

Motivation is an emotional driver, and when you discover what truly motivates you, you unlock the potential to apply that to real-world scenarios in a way that feels natural and authentic. You may find that you thrive in environments that allow you to constantly learn and challenge yourself, or perhaps you feel most fulfilled when you're creating something tangible. Whatever the case may be, use this motivation as your compass for personal and professional growth.

4. Applying Interest-Based Learning to Real-World Scenarios

Now comes the exciting part: applying your interest-based learning to the real world. This isn’t just about theory; it’s about taking action to create the life, career, or business you envision. Here are some practical steps to translate your self-discovery into real-world impact:

• Align Your Career with Your Interests: For neurodivergent individuals, the traditional 9-to-5 job might feel stifling if it doesn’t align with your natural learning style. Seek out careers that allow you to work deeply on topics that ignite your passions. For instance, if your special interest is data science, explore career paths in AI development, data analysis, or machine learning. If you have a strong interest in mental health and neurodivergence, consider roles in neurodiversity consulting or therapeutic fields that allow you to combine your personal experience and professional skillset.
• Create Projects that Match Your Engagement Style: Once you know how you engage with your interests, create projects or tasks that align with your style. For example, if you thrive on deep engagement, develop long-term projects where you can focus and build expertise. On the flip side, if you’re more flexible and dynamic in your focus, create projects where you can shift gears and explore new areas regularly.
• Cultivate Environments that Support Your Motivations: Identify environments that help you stay motivated and engaged. For example, if you thrive on autonomy and deep work, consider remote work opportunities or freelance roles where you can manage your own schedule and structure your time around your interests. If social interaction is a motivation (for example, a desire to help others), consider roles that involve community outreach, social work, or customer-focused careers.

5. Harnessing Your Unique Neurodivergent Strengths

Finally, it’s important to recognize that your neurodivergence is not something to overcome - it’s something to embrace. Your brain is wired in a way that allows you to approach challenges differently, with a level of creativity, focus, and passion that many neurotypical people simply can’t replicate.

By aligning your career and personal growth with your interest-based learning, you tap into your natural strengths, creating a path that is fulfilling, sustainable, and in alignment with who you are. Your unique approach is the very thing that makes you valuable, both in your career and in the wider world.

The Power of Interest-Based Learning

Discovering your personal interests, understanding how you engage with them, and tapping into your intrinsic motivation will allow you to thrive as a neurodivergent individual. When you design your learning and work environments around what excites and motivates you, you not only excel at what you do but bring a level of passion and depth to your work that is truly remarkable.

Remember, your interests are not just hobbies, they are the foundation for creating a career and life that allows you to perform at your fullest potential, all while staying true to your neurodivergent nature.

Gender and Interest Expression in Professional Settings

The intersection of gender and neurodivergence in professional spaces requires sensitive navigation. Gendered expectations affect how technical knowledge is perceived, and how individuals engage in leadership opportunities. By embracing the different ways individuals present ideas, we help remove barriers to success.

The Hidden Costs of Masking: A Practical Analysis

Masking, or hiding neurodivergent traits, can lead to burnout. Here’s a breakdown of energy usage throughout the day:

Morning Energy Budget:

• Email communication (20%)
• Meeting participation (30%)
• Technical work (25%)
• Cultural code-switching (15%)
• Sensory management (10%)

Emergency Reboot Protocol

When the system crashes:

• Close unnecessary tabs
• Run a sensory scan
• Engage your favorite stim
• Reset with a comfort activity

The Impact of Interest-Based Learning on Well-Being: Fostering Social-Emotional Growth and Overall Health

Interest-based learning is not just a strategy for professional success—it’s also a powerful tool for enhancing the social-emotional development and overall well-being of neurodivergent individuals. By engaging with topics, tasks, or hobbies that genuinely capture your attention and spark joy, you can unlock a range of positive emotional and psychological benefits. Let's explore the profound impact that interest-based learning can have on well-being, particularly in the context of neurodivergence.

1. Enhancing Emotional Resilience Through Engagement

When neurodivergent individuals are deeply engaged in activities aligned with their interests, there’s a notable shift in emotional resilience. The intrinsic motivation derived from deep engagement serves as a buffer against stress, anxiety, and negative emotions. This can be especially important for individuals who experience higher levels of anxiety or emotional dysregulation, common in conditions such as ADHD or autism.

• Emotional Regulation: Interest-based learning often leads to a more regulated emotional state, as individuals feel more in control when working on something they are passionate about. Engaging with a subject that provides a sense of accomplishment and intrinsic reward can counteract feelings of frustration or overwhelm, providing a safe space for self-expression.
• Building Confidence: As neurodivergent individuals experience success and mastery in areas of their interest, it boosts self-esteem and confidence. Success in these areas becomes a source of pride and self-validation, improving overall emotional well-being and motivation to continue learning and growing.

2. Strengthening Social Connections and Communication Skills

For many neurodivergent individuals, building and maintaining social connections can be challenging. Interest-based learning, however, offers a unique way to form meaningful relationships and improve social-emotional skills. By engaging in activities or communities that revolve around a shared interest, individuals can connect with others who share similar passions.

• Creating Community: Whether it's joining a group that discusses a favorite book, participating in online forums about a specific hobby, or collaborating on a creative project, interest-based communities provide a sense of belonging. These spaces create opportunities for authentic connection where individuals can express themselves without the fear of being judged for their neurodivergence.
• Improving Communication: Through shared interests, individuals often become more comfortable communicating and expressing themselves in social situations. This can significantly reduce feelings of isolation, as it allows neurodivergent individuals to engage in social interactions in a way that feels natural and less forced. By having something they care deeply about to talk about, conversations can flow more easily, and the fear of social missteps diminishes.

3. Promoting Self-Awareness and Personal Growth

Interest-based learning doesn’t just enhance knowledge—it also deepens self-awareness. When individuals focus on their passions, they gain insight into their preferences, strengths, and values, allowing them to better understand themselves and their place in the world.

• Identity Exploration: Special interests and hobbies often provide a vehicle for self-expression and a way to explore different aspects of identity. For neurodivergent individuals, this can be especially important in helping to define and understand one’s unique neurodivergent traits, such as hyperfocus or sensory sensitivities. This deepened self-awareness leads to a more empowered sense of identity, reducing confusion or frustration related to neurodivergent traits.
• Setting Meaningful Goals: As individuals tap into what excites them, they are more likely to set meaningful and personally relevant goals that align with their interests. This provides a sense of purpose and direction, improving motivation and overall well-being. Whether it’s pursuing a career in a specific field or dedicating time to a hobby, these goals create a clear path forward and increase a sense of accomplishment when achieved.

4. Reducing Burnout and Overwhelm

One of the challenges that many neurodivergent individuals face is burnout, especially when they are forced to engage in activities or work that doesn’t align with their natural interests. When someone is in an environment or role that doesn’t ignite passion or engagement, they may feel depleted and disconnected, leading to feelings of frustration and exhaustion.

• Prevention of Burnout: By focusing on interest-based learning, neurodivergent individuals can structure their daily routines and work environments to avoid overexertion and emotional burnout. Whether through self-directed projects, finding work that aligns with their passions, or creating learning environments that feel inspiring and engaging, individuals can mitigate the risk of burnout by aligning tasks with their internal motivations.
• Sustaining Energy: When work or learning is tied to personal interests, energy is sustained because the individual doesn’t feel drained by the process. Rather than forcing themselves through tasks that feel monotonous or demotivating, individuals can focus on areas that provide a sense of joy and achievement, sustaining mental and physical energy.

5. Boosting Mental Health and Well-Being

At its core, interest-based learning nurtures the emotional and mental health of neurodivergent individuals. Engaging with topics that spark curiosity and passion promotes positive emotional states, combats feelings of sadness or depression, and enhances overall well-being.

• Mindfulness and Flow: Interest-based learning often induces a state of flow, a highly focused state of mind that promotes mindfulness and presence in the moment. This meditative state not only boosts productivity but also fosters a deep sense of well-being. When individuals can experience joy in the process of learning, it acts as a powerful tool for mental health resilience.
• Building Long-Term Well-Being: In the long term, incorporating interest-based learning into daily life can improve overall well-being by providing consistency in activities that are intrinsically rewarding. These activities act as coping mechanisms during times of stress or emotional turmoil, creating a stable foundation for mental health.

In Conclusion: Cultivating a Path to Positive Well-Being

Interest-based learning is far more than an academic or career tool - it is a holistic approach to mental health and well-being for neurodivergent individuals. By aligning your learning, engagement, and motivation with your passions and interests, you not only enhance your cognitive abilities but also foster emotional growth, strengthen social connections, and improve overall quality of life. When you embrace this approach, you’re not just learning about a subject - you’re nurturing your mind, heart, and soul.

By prioritizing your interests, you create a powerful and sustainable path to personal growth, emotional resilience, and well-being that lasts a lifetime.

Being Graceful with Yourself When Things Don’t Go as Planned

We all know that life doesn’t always unfold according to plan. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, things don’t go the way we envisioned. For neurodivergent individuals, this can feel particularly frustrating, especially when a hyperfocus session is interrupted or a passion project doesn’t go as smoothly as anticipated.

However, it’s important to be graceful with yourself. Just because things didn’t go as planned doesn’t mean you’re not capable or that you failed. Often, neurodivergent individuals are held to a higher standard - whether it’s self-imposed or societal - and this can lead to feelings of inadequacy when expectations aren’t met.

In these moments, remind yourself that progress is a journey, not a destination. Allow yourself the flexibility to try again, to learn from the experience, and to adapt your strategies as needed. Being kind to yourself through the process - especially when things don’t unfold perfectly - is a crucial step toward sustaining long-term motivation and well-being.

Remember, growth is found in the process, not just in the outcome. You are enough, just as you are, and your neurodivergent traits, when nurtured with care and understanding, allow you to perform at your highest potential.

Coming Next Issue

"The Dopamine Design Blueprint" – How to architect your environment for optimal neural processing. Topics include:

• Creating dopamine-friendly workspaces
• Designing systems that work with your parallel processing
• Building recovery protocols for system crashes
• Cultural adaptations of workspace design

A Note from My Currently Running Processes

While writing this, I:

• Reorganized my entire desk three times
• Went down a rabbit hole about neural networks
• Found my lunch from yesterday (oops)
• Had two brilliant ideas for future research
• Lost and found my fidget cube approximately seven times

Remember, your parallel processing isn’t an issue -it’s an immovative feature, so step into your neural symphony. Own it!

Stay wonderfully you.

Yours Truly,

Itzel ??? P.S. My fidget cube and frenchies say hi (and so do all my parallel processes)

References

• Lewis, C. J., & Arday, J. (2023). We'll see things they'll never see: Sociological reflections on race, neurodiversity, and higher education. The Sociological Review, 71(6), 1299–1321.
• LA Concierge Psychologist. (2025). Understanding the ADHD Nervous System.