Infodumping/IN-foh-dump-ing/
Enthusiastically sharing extensive knowledge about a passionate interest, often rapidly and in great detail. A natural neurodivergent communication style that expresses joy, builds connection, and shares expertise.
Andy says:
Infodumping isn't "talking too much"—it's how we share love through knowledge. When I tell you everything about medieval castle construction for 45 minutes straight, I'm not trying to bore you. I'm giving you my most precious gift: the knowledge that brings me joy. It's like a cat bringing you a dead mouse—it might not be what you wanted, but it's offered with pure love. Neurotypical people share feelings; we share facts. Both are valid forms of intimacy. Your encyclopedia brain isn't broken—it's generous.
Detailed Explanation
Infodumping is passionate knowledge-sharing that springs from the intersection of intense interest and social connection desire. It's not a social failure—it's a different social style.
Characteristics:
- Comprehensive detail: Sharing complete context, connections, fascinating tangents
- Passionate delivery: Excitement physically visible through animation, stimming
- Flow state: Speaker enters zone of pure information transmission
- Gift mentality: Sharing treasured knowledge as act of connection
- Authentic expression: Most natural communication mode for many neurodivergent people
Why it happens:
- Joy overflow when discussing special interests
- Desire to share something meaningful
- Most comfortable way to connect socially
- Information feels urgent and important
- Natural result of deep, systematic knowledge
The double empathy problem applies: neurotypical people might see "dominating conversation" while neurodivergent people see "sharing treasure."
Everyday Life Examples
The train enthusiast: Eight-year-old Marcus meets someone on the platform. Within minutes, they know every train model that uses this line, the history of the station, and why diesel-electric hybrids are superior. The stranger looks overwhelmed. Marcus thinks he's made a friend.
The coffee expert: Sarah's colleague mentions they're tired. This triggers a 20-minute explanation of caffeine extraction methods, roast profiles, and why their fatigue might relate to adenosine receptors. The colleague just wanted sympathy. Sarah was trying to help.
The fandom scholar: Alex's date mentions they've seen the movie. Alex proceeds to explain the director's entire filmography, symbolism in every scene, and how it connects to the expanded universe. The date feels lectured. Alex feels they're sharing their heart.
Practical Strategies
For infodumpers:
- Check in: "Want to hear more about this?"
- Watch for engagement signs (questions = good!)
- Offer exit ramps: "Should I explain further or move on?"
- Find your people (special interest groups, forums)
- Practice the "headline, then details" approach
For receivers:
- See it as trust and affection
- Ask questions to engage
- Set kind boundaries when needed
- Find something genuinely interesting
- Redirect gently if necessary
Creating good contexts:
- Schedule "special interest time"
- Join communities that welcome deep dives
- Use infodumping for teaching/mentoring
- Write blogs or make videos
- Find infodump buddies who reciprocate
Quick Tips
- Today: Infodump guilt-free to someone safe
- This week: Find online space for your interest
- This month: Practice checking in during shares
- Long-term: Build relationships that celebrate your knowledge
Community Context
The neurodivergent community has reclaimed infodumping as:
- Love language and trust signal
- Natural teaching and sharing style
- Source of expertise and value
- Valid form of social connection
"Infodump to me about your special interest" has become a friendship offer and acceptance signal in neurodivergent spaces.
Do / Don't
Do's
- Show genuine interest when receiving infodumps
- Appreciate the trust being shown
- Ask follow-up questions
- Set boundaries kindly if needed
- Recognize expertise being shared
Don'ts
- Don't shame enthusiasm
- Don't call it "lecturing" or "boring"
- Don't interrupt rudely
- Don't mock the interest
- Don't demand neurotypical communication
For Families and Caregivers
When your loved one infodumps, they're:
- Showing they trust you
- Sharing their deepest joy
- Trying to connect with you
- Offering their expertise
- Being authentically themselves
Support by:
- Setting aside listening time
- Asking genuine questions
- Sharing the interest when possible
- Finding appropriate outlets
- Celebrating their knowledge
For Schools and Workplaces
Educators: Channel infodumping productively:
- Create "expert presenter" times
- Use special interests for projects
- Let students teach topics they love
- Recognize deep knowledge as strength
- Connect curriculum to interests
Employers: Harness infodumping value:
- Create knowledge-sharing forums
- Use expertise for training
- Channel into documentation
- Recognize specialized knowledge
- Allow deep-dive presentations
Intersectionality & Variation
- Age: Kids infodump more openly; adults often suppress
- Gender: Girls face more social pressure against infodumping
- Culture: Some cultures value detailed information sharing
- Setting: Academic/technical fields may appreciate infodumping
- Neurotype combination: ADHD + autism may create intense but shifting infodumps
Related Terms
- Special Interest - The passionate focus that fuels infodumping
- Monotropism - Intense focus on fewer interests
- Double Empathy Problem - Why infodumping is misunderstood
- Hyperfocus - The state that often triggers infodumping
- Info-seeking - Reciprocal desire for detailed information
Related Terms
Special Interest
An intense, passionate, and often lifelong fascination with specific topics that brings deep joy, expertise, and meaning to autistic lives. Not just a hobby—a core part of identity and wellbeing.
Hyperfocus
Intense, laser-like concentration on one activity to the exclusion of everything else. A state where time disappears, the world fades away, and only the task exists—often lasting hours without awareness of basic needs.
Monotropism
The theory that autistic minds naturally focus like a laser on one thing at a time, rather than spreading attention thinly across many things. This intense single-channel processing creates both superpowers (deep expertise) and vulnerabilities (difficulty switching tasks).
Double Empathy Problem
The mutual difficulty autistic and non-autistic people have understanding each other's communication styles and perspectives. Not a one-sided autistic deficit, but a two-way translation problem between different neurological cultures.
Community Contributions
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