Monotropism is a cognitive theory which was initially developed to describe focus patterns in people with autism, but it also holds significant relevance for people with ADHD. The theory suggests that individuals become “monotropic” when they intensely focus on a single subject or activity to the exclusion of others. This approach to focus, which can lead to productive outcomes, correlates with ADHD’s hyperfocus, in that it is an intense, unwavering concentration on a particular task. Monotropism and hyperfocus, while similar, are not exactly the same. However, both offer insights into productivity and can help explain the unique way neurodivergent people process and engage with the world around them.
What Is Monotropism?
Monotropism, a concept first introduced by theorists Dinah Murray, Wenn Lawson, and Mike Lesser, describes a tendency to focus deeply on a single interest or subject. This contrasts with “polytropism,” where attention is distributed across multiple subjects or stimuli. Monotropic thinking often means becoming highly engrossed in one activity or subject to the point of losing awareness of other needs, tasks, or even time itself (Murray et al., 2005).
For people with ADHD, who typically struggle with distractibility and impulsivity, hyperfocus can offer a pathway to achieving periods of deep focus, albeit inconsistently. ADHD is often experienced as difficulty with sustaining attention on mundane tasks, but when something sparks an individual’s interest, hyperfocus can come into play, allowing them to achieve high productivity levels and even enjoy the sense of flow and accomplishment that comes from deeply engaging with a task.
Tendril Theory: A Visualisation of ADHD Focus
“Tendril Theory,” developed by Erin Human, is a metaphor that explains how focus works for those with neurodivergent minds. Again, initially conceived in relation to autism, the overlap with ADHD is significant. The theory describes thoughts and ideas as “tendrils” that branch out from a core focus. When distractions or interruptions occur, these tendrils are metaphorically chopped off, stopping the flow of ideas and progress. Erin explains that, much like a plant’s tendrils, ideas need time and space to grow, but once they’re cut off, it can be hard to get them growing in the same direction again. This interruption can feel incredibly frustrating for people with ADHD, who may find that their train of thought is lost entirely, making it difficult to return to the same intensity of focus or engagement later (Human, 2015).
This theory aligns with monotropism in that both concepts highlight the need for uninterrupted focus on one task at a time. For individuals with ADHD, who may experience hyperfocus episodes where they become entirely absorbed in an activity, interruptions can be particularly disruptive. Once “cut off,” their ability to return to the same level of focus is often compromised, illustrating why open stretches of time without distractions are important for maintaining productivity.
Hyperfocus: The Intersection of Monotropism and ADHD
Hyperfocus is a well-known trait among individuals with ADHD, though it may appear paradoxical given that ADHD is generally associated with distractibility. During hyperfocus, people with ADHD can concentrate intensely on one activity, sometimes for hours, ignoring everything around them. Hyperfocus aligns closely with monotropism as both involve deep, single-minded engagement. However, hyperfocus is often unpredictable; it usually occurs when the task is inherently interesting or stimulating for the individual with ADHD.
Monotropism provides a framework for understanding hyperfocus as a focused state where an individual channels all their cognitive energy into one activity, resulting in heightened productivity. During these periods, ADHD individuals are capable of immense output, whether in work, creative projects, or hobbies. Yet, the challenge arises when these individuals are required to switch tasks or address other responsibilities, disrupting the monotropic flow and cutting off tendrils of thought, as described in Tendril Theory.
Productivity Through Monotropic Focus
The power of focusing on one thing at a time has significant implications for productivity. For ADHD individuals, applying the principles of monotropism (focusing intently on a single task without attempting to divide attention) can lead to deep engagement and high output. In practice, this might involve techniques like:
- Setting Boundaries for Focus: Blocking off uninterrupted periods of time to work on one task can help ADHD individuals stay in a monotropic-esque flow, reducing the chances of distractions cutting off the “tendrils” of thought.
- Prioritising Interests: Productivity is often highest when ADHD individuals work on tasks that genuinely interest them, as these are more likely to trigger hyperfocus. Structuring responsibilities around personal interests can optimise the chances of entering a productive, monotropic-type state.
- Minimising Interruptions: Monotropic focus and hyperfocus require an environment with minimal disruptions. Using tools like noise-cancelling headphones, dedicated workspaces, or digital tools to block notifications can help maintain focus and ‘keep the tendrils intact’.
Research supports the notion that ADHD individuals, despite their challenges with sustained attention, can harness hyperfocus to their advantage. As noted by Kooij et al. (2010), when ADHD individuals engage in activities that capture their interest, they are capable of high productivity and engagement levels. This can lead to positive outcomes in work and personal projects, provided they are given the space to focus uninterruptedly.
Monotropism, Hyperfocus, and Out-of-the-Box Thinking
Another benefit of monotropism and the hyperfocus associated with ADHD is the ability to see tasks from unique angles and come up with creative solutions. When ADHD individuals enter a flow-state, they often explore topics in great depth, examining details that others might overlook. This intense focus is good for problem-solving and creativity, making individuals with ADHD valuable assets in environments that benefit from innovation and fresh perspectives.
Barkley (2014) argues that the ability of ADHD individuals to concentrate deeply on subjects of interest enables them to excel in creative fields, where out-of-the-box thinking is highly valued. By focusing on single tasks in-depth, they can make connections that are less obvious to those who adopt a more polytropic or multitasking approach.
References
- Barkley, R. A. (2014). Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: A Handbook for Diagnosis and Treatment. Guilford Press.
- Human, E. (2015). “Tendril Theory.” E is for Erin. https://eisforerin.com/2015/08/10/tendril-theory/.
- Kooij, J. J. S., et al. (2010). “Functioning, comorbidity, and impairment in adults with ADHD.” Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 71(12), 1581-1590.
- Murray, D., Lesser, M., & Lawson, W. (2005). “Monotropism: An Interest-Based Account of Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Autism, 9(2), 193-217.