Pokémon is Autistic

How Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri’s childhood special interest in collecting bugs—rooted in his own autism diagnosis—inspired one of the world’s most successful franchises.

Why the urge to collect, categorize, and analyse Pokémon appeals strongly to Autistic skills and motivations.

The concept of “Flow” and how Pokémon’s immersive gameplay provides Autistics with joy, focus, and persistence through special interests.

A critique of how allistic perspectives dismiss Autistic passions as “obsessions,” contrasted with the Autistic experience of joy, fun, and fulfilment.

How Pokémon fosters authentic Autistic socializing and builds community through shared interests.

Why Pokémon exemplifies Autistic culture as a celebration of curiosity, focus, and intrinsic motivation.