Dinosaur Fun Facts

Troy’s deep fascination with dinosaurs shows the intense, specialized interests that are often a hallmark of autism. His ability to absorb and analyze detailed information—from critiquing the scientific accuracy of movie dinosaurs to breaking down the complex genetics and timeline of Jurassic World hybrids—demonstrates the kind of focused expertise that autistic individuals often develop in their areas of passion.

What makes Troy’s interest particularly notable is not just his encyclopedic knowledge, but his critical thinking approach. He doesn’t simply accept what he sees in movies; he analyzes inconsistencies, questions unrealistic elements (like the 8.1-meter-tall D-Rex in the latest Jurassic Park movie), and can discuss nuanced details like genetic mutations and experimental timelines. This reflects the analytical depth that many autistic people bring to their special interests.

When I asked him when his interest in dinosaurs began, he told me, “I was born with it!” His fascination with dinosaurs also speaks to how these intense interests often emerge early and remain consistent throughout an autistic person’s life. Rather than being a limitation, Troy’s dinosaur expertise represents the kind of deep, sustained focus that can be a genuine strength—allowing him to become a subject matter expert in ways that neurotypical individuals might find difficult to achieve.

The suggestion to include dinosaur facts on websites might seem quirky to some, but it reflects Troy’s genuine belief that sharing knowledge about things that fascinate us makes the world more interesting for everyone. He actually negotiated it!