Autism and Special Interests: My Son's Josh Groban Story

Autism is often linked to special interests. This post highlights one child’s love for Josh Groban’s music – a joy that supports development and provides comfort.

My son Konrad found comfort and connection in a special place: Josh Groban’s music. Josh's songs calmed Konrad, sparked his curiosity about different instruments and music styles, and even helped him bond with others. Josh wasn’t just a favorite artist — his voice became part of Konrad’s daily life.

Mom and Konrad on Konrad's Josh Groban-themed fourth birthday

This deep love of music was one of Konrad’s special interests — those focused passions that bring delight, calm, and a sense of security to many autistic people.

But not everyone has seen them that way. When Konrad was diagnosed with autism at age three, I dove into research, hoping to understand autism better. What I found was discouraging: special interests were often described as “obsessions,” something disruptive, excessive, or even inappropriate. That view didn’t match what I was seeing at all.

Konrad’s love for Josh Groban wasn’t a problem. It was a lifeline — a meaningful, supportive part of his development that helped him grow and thrive.

The Beginning of the Josh Groban Connection

Our connection to Josh Groban started early. When Konrad was just six months old, I played one of my favorite concerts — Josh Groban: Live at the Greek. I had relied on it years earlier during a time of grief, and it had been a source of comfort.

That same comfort seemed to reach Konrad. He sat on the floor for the entire two-hour concert, completely focused — more focused than I’d ever seen him.

From then on, when traditional soothing methods didn’t work, I turned to the concert. Josh’s voice calmed Konrad every time. Before long, his music became a constant presence in our home — a steady, regulating force for both of us.

Growing with Groban: How the Interest Evolved

By 17 months, Konrad was holding onto a rail and jumping along to Josh Groban concerts. (We bought more of them on DVD.) By 21 months, the jumping turned into spinning.

By age two, his spinning movements became more elaborate — hand motions and jumps that matched the rhythm and tempo of each song. He wasn’t just listening. He was experiencing the music with his whole body.

After overstimulating outings — like noisy trips to the grocery store — we’d come home, and Konrad would ask, “Josh?” I’d put on the music, and he’d spin and unwind, releasing stress through movement. He was self-regulating.

Over the years, it became clear this wasn’t just entertainment. His connection to Josh Groban’s music supported him in ways I hadn’t anticipated — emotionally, physically, and socially.

As the interest deepened, so did its benefits. The music became a powerful tool for his well-being, growth, and connection.

Konrad received a Josh Groban hat, shirt, pillow, and wall hanging on his fourth birthday

Why It Mattered: Autism, Special Interests, and the Unique Impact of Josh Groban on One Child’s Development

Josh Groban’s music was more than entertainment — it supported Konrad’s growth in many meaningful ways.

Emotional Self-Regulation

Whether spinning after a stressful outing, listening in the car, or winding down before bed, Josh’s voice helped Konrad manage his emotions in many situations.

Comfort and Predictability

Josh’s music became our go-to whenever Konrad needed calm or stability. In a sometimes chaotic world, we could always count on his voice to bring comfort.

Social Connection

Though Konrad had limited speech until age five and didn’t hold full conversations until six, by age three, he was initiating interactions through Josh’s music. He’d approach people, say “Josh,” and name songs — sometimes in other languages. It was his way of connecting.

Language Development and Learning

By age one, Konrad had a few words — and his fourth word was “Josh.” As a toddler, he became curious about the musicians and instruments in Josh’s concerts. He’d point and ask, “This?” then memorize names of players and instruments. It was self-directed learning that mattered to him.

Konrad on his toy drum set

Motor Skill Development

Konrad rarely played with toys, but he built a microphone from his baby brother’s blocks to sing along with Josh. When it collapsed, he rebuilt it repeatedly. Inspired by seeing Josh leap onto drums in a concert, Konrad crafted a drum set from balls, bottles, and toys — and later had a kid-sized set that, though short-lived, was much loved.

Joy and Self-Expression

Josh’s music brought Konrad real happiness. One favorite memory: when we brought home a golden retriever puppy, four-year-old Konrad proudly called him “the Josh Groban puppy" and pretended to share the puppy with Josh.

Konrad’s special interest in Josh Groban grounded him and helped him connect, but special interests associated with autism are often dismissed as “obsessions” — a term that feels outdated and limiting. Konrad’s story shows us what a strengths-based view can reveal: not limits, but possibility.

Challenging the “Obsession” Narrative

Labeling special interests as “obsessions” diminishes something meaningful and encourages others to see them as problems to fix rather than strengths to support.

Often, special interests have been framed as barriers to social development, with repetitive behaviors seen as atypical or inappropriate. But this assumes autistic children must conform to neurotypical standards to thrive — something I don’t want for Konrad. I want him to be fully and happily himself. His interests aren’t problems. They’re sources of strength, growth, and well-being.

Thankfully, times are changing. The neurodiversity paradigm offers a more affirming perspective: special interests aren’t restrictive or abnormal. They reflect deep knowledge, curiosity, and passion. They can be core parts of identity, spark social connection, and even shape meaningful careers. (For more information about the neurodiversity paradigm, check out this post).

As parents, embracing our children’s interests isn’t giving in to "problematic" behavior. It’s supporting strengths and honoring who they are. (We do this by making special interest cakes, too!).

Still Grateful for Josh

Now that Konrad is turning 12, his special interests have evolved. These days, he’s all about electronics (especially taking things apart), languages (he dreams of becoming a linguist), and 3D printing (he has a long list of inventions he wants to bring to life).

Josh Groban isn’t part of our daily routine anymore, but he still holds a special place in our family’s story. Every now and then, we’ll sit down with popcorn and watch one of his concerts. And we still know every song by heart. The connection is quieter now, but it’s still there, woven through years of comfort.

For that, I’ll always be grateful.

Jen with Cool Wiring

Disclaimers

This post is shared in collaboration with Konrad and reflects his personal experiences.

The narrative and accompanying photos (featuring Konrad wearing a Josh Groban hat and showing a Josh Groban shirt) are shared solely for storytelling and illustrative purposes. No commercial use or endorsement of Josh Groban, his music, or related trademarks is intended or implied.