shapeofsoup
  • Monotropic Expansion
  • 1. Introduction
    • 1.1 Prevailing Deficit Framework
    • 1.2 Purpose and Goals
    • 1.3 Monotropic Expansion Model
    • 1.4 Addressing Accessibility
    • 1.5 Paper Overview
    • 1.6 Positionality and Rationale
  • 2. Model Mechanism
    • 2.1 Anchoring
    • 2.2 Iterative Context Building
    • 2.3 Cognitive Inertia
    • 2.4 Directionality and Precision
    • 2.5 Scalability and Flexibility
  • 3. Neurological Foundation
    • 3.1 Salience Anchoring and Internal Relevance
    • 3.2 Attentional Modulation and Cognitive Inertia
    • 3.3 Predictive Coding and Inside-Out Construction
    • 3.4 Neurodevelopmental Trajectories and Structural Divergence
    • 3.5 Implications for Structural Modeling and Neuroethical Practice
  • 4. Theoretical Alignment
    • 4.1 Monotropism (Murray, Lesser, Lawson, 2005)
    • 4.2 Executive Dysfunction and Attentional Flexibility
    • 4.3. Weak Central Coherence (Frith, 1989)
    • 4.4. Theory of Mind (ToM) and the Assumption of Deficiency
    • 4.5. Language Processing and Internal Narrative
    • 4.6. Trauma, Inertia, and Pattern Reinforcement
    • 4.7. Double Empathy Problem (Milton, 2012)
    • 4.8. DSM-5 Framing and Pathologized Comparison
  • 5. Implications
    • 5.1. Diagnostic Framing and the Myth of Functioning Labels
    • 5.2. Coexisting Neurodivergent Conditions and Inertial Structures
    • 5.3. Rethinking Support and Accommodation
    • 5.4. Therapy Approaches, Cognitive Models, and Ethical Misalignment
    • 5.5. Self-Perception, Identity, and Communication Disconnects
    • 5.6. Social Systems, Education, and Institutional Friction
  • 6. Reframing Autism
    • 6.1. The Structural Model of Divergence
    • 6.2. Moving Beyond Developmental Language
    • 6.3. Implications for Language, Ethics, and Research
  • 7. Conclusion
  • 8. Update Log
  • Contact & Support
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4.1 Monotropism (Murray, Lesser, Lawson, 2005)

The original theory of monotropism conceptualized autistic cognition as being defined by narrowed, intense attention. It introduced the notion that autistic individuals may struggle to divide attention or shift focus due to this inherent monotropic drive. The Monotropic Expansion model is directly inspired by this framing but expands its explanatory power significantly.

Rather than simply describing attention as “narrow,” the Monotropic Expansion model defines how attention functions structurally once anchored. It maps the inertial properties of monotropic cognition—how focus expands outward from a point of relevance, not simply remaining fixed. This reframing transforms monotropism from a descriptor of rigidity into a model of intentional context construction, emphasizing growth and directional processing.

Where original monotropism often served as a counterpoint to behavioral deficit narratives, Monotropic Expansion reframes it as a functional and scalable cognitive framework. It provides a mechanism for understanding not only hyperfocus but also inertia, sensory prioritization, layered insight formation, and even perceived processing delays in environments that demand premature redirection.

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Last updated 2 months ago