Monotropism and Polytropism

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Created on Canva for eduational purposes

Alt text: Infographic titled “Polytropism vs. Monotropism – Autistic/ADHD/AuDHDers are more likely to be monotropic (Garau et al., 2023).” On the left, under “Polytropism,” there is an illustration of a sprinkler watering many flowers. Text explains polytropism as an attentional style with many co-aroused channels active at once, distributing focus widely but with less depth—like a sprinkler or flood light. It is common among non-Autistic/ADHD/AuDHD people and rewarded in schools, workplaces, and social settings. On the right, under “Monotropism,” there is an illustration of a hand holding a garden hose watering two flowers with deep roots. Text explains monotropism as focus flowing deeply into fewer active channels at one time, like a garden hose or focused torch. It is common among Autistic, ADHD, and AuDHD people, enabling flow states, joy, and creativity, but making task-switching harder without supportive environments. The Autistic Realms logo with the infinity symbol and “Neurodiversity Affirming” appears in the top right corner.