JobCannonAll Terms
General Personality Science

Monotropism

A theory of autism proposing that autistic brains concentrate attention on fewer things but more intensely — a "single-channel" processing style versus the neurotypical "multi-channel" approach.

Monotropism (Murray, Lesser & Lawson, 2005) explains many autistic experiences through one principle: autistic attention is more focused and less distributed than neurotypical attention.

This explains: special interests (intense focus on one thing), difficulty with transitions (attention doesn't shift easily), sensory overload (when forced to process multiple channels), social difficulties (conversation requires splitting attention across words, tone, body language, facial expressions simultaneously), and flow states (monotropic focus = natural hyperfocus).

Implications for work: monotropic processing is an asset in deep-focus roles (research, programming, quality assurance) but a challenge in multi-tasking environments (open offices, project management). Understanding monotropism helps autistic people choose careers that leverage their processing style.

Related Terms

Introversion
A personality preference for lower stimulation environments. Introverts recharge through solitude and deep focus, prefer small groups over large parties, and think before speaking.
Personality Trait
A relatively stable pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that distinguishes one person from another. Traits are continuous dimensions (not categories) measured on a spectrum.
Ambivert
A person who falls near the middle of the introversion-extraversion spectrum, displaying both introverted and extroverted behaviors depending on context. Most people (60-70%) are ambiverts.
Dark Triad
Three socially aversive personality traits: Narcissism (grandiosity, entitlement), Machiavellianism (manipulation, cynicism), and Psychopathy (callousness, impulsivity). Present to varying degrees in the general population.
Five Factor Model (FFM)
The scientific framework behind the Big Five personality test. Developed through decades of factor analysis, identifying five broad dimensions that account for most of the variance in human personality.
← Back to Glossary