What Brings Autistic People Joy? New research showcases the diversity in autistic flourishing.

[VictorR]

KEY POINTS

Autistic people report experiencing intense joy in ways connected to autistic traits.

Passionate interests, deep focus and learning, and sensory experiences can bring profound joy.

The biggest barriers to autistic joy are mistreatment by other people and societal biases, not autism itself.

Key Findings? Yes, Autistic People Experience Joy. Autistically.

67% of participants said they often experience joy.

94% agreed that they “actively enjoy aspects of being autistic.”

80% believed they experience joy differently than non-autistic people.

This study challenges the pathology model's view of autism as purely a disorder or deficit. Instead, it supports what many autistic people have been saying for a long time: Autism can be a source of genuine strength and joy.

This study strengthens the neuroaffirming perspective on autism and challenges dehumanizing stereotypes. Autistic people are complete human beings with an extremely broad range of emotions, including intense, profound joy—along with deep pain of being excluded, ridiculed, and bullied. When we are accepted, when our environments reflect consideration of sensory needs and honor neurodignity, we don't just survive, we truly flourish.

Article (summary):
What Brings Autistic People Joy?

Article (original):
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687599.2025.2498417

 

[velociraptor]

I find accomplishment brings me joy. I also get joy from time with people who are close to me and time spent in nature doing fun activities.

 

[Rodafina]

I get so much joy out of my own little worlds that I get lost in. I find my own mind endlessly entertaining.

I also get joy from exploring my curiosity and looking at the world with wonder.