When people discuss autism, the image that often comes to mind is of a child struggling to adapt to their surroundings. Or, when the conversation shifts to adulthood, it might center on a character like Dr. Shaun Murphy from “The Good Doctor” or Patience, showcasing analytical brilliance alongside social challenges. What’s frequently absent from these portrayals is the experience of autistic joy.
However, a study revealed that the majority of autistic individuals frequently experience joy. One participant poignantly described it, stating, “Lining things up is fun because it’s pleasurable. It’s odd that [non-autistic people] don’t understand it. Sorting/organizing is one of the deepest pleasures in life, as intense/as sought after as delicious food.” This finding challenges long-held assumptions about emotional experience within the autistic community.
Autism is understood as a neurodevelopmental difference, and autistic individuals are often, and incorrectly, perceived as lacking empathy. This misconception may stem from the tendency for autistic people to exhibit more muted facial expressions. Some autistic individuals, including myself, may experience difficulty recognizing their own emotions – a phenomenon known as alexithymia. However, this does not equate to a lack of intense emotional experience, including joy.
The notion that autistic people lack emotions is a persistent, yet inaccurate, claim. In reality, autistic individuals can feel emotions very deeply, extending to people, animals, and even inanimate objects. This capacity for profound emotional connection can be a driving force behind involvement in social justice work.
Sensory Processes and Joy
A significant aspect of the autistic experience is sensory processing differences. Compared to neurotypical individuals, many autistic people find common environments painfully loud, bright, or overly populated. These sensory stimuli can be intensely overwhelming and distressing, particularly when control over the environment is limited. However, these same sensory sensitivities can also be a source of joy.
For autistic individuals who are highly sensitive to the sensory world, carefully curated sensory experiences can be profoundly pleasurable. This is often manifested through “stimming” – repetitive behaviors like hand-flapping, rocking, or repetitive vocalizations. Stimming isn’t simply a way to self-soothe; it’s a way of creating joyful sensory input. Each autistic person will have their own unique stims, which are both joy-inducing and reassuring. While often discouraged in childhood, and sometimes suppressed in adulthood due to social stigma, stimming is vital for mental well-being.
Recently, some autistic advocates have begun openly sharing their stimming experiences on social media, aiming to reduce the associated stigma and promote acceptance.
Communication and Connection
Autistic communication often prioritizes clarity and directness, with a literal understanding of language. This can lead to misunderstandings with neurotypical individuals who rely more on nuance and implicit cues, potentially resulting in bullying or social exclusion. However, when autistic individuals communicate with each other, these barriers often dissolve.
A unique aspect of autistic interaction is “info dumping” – the enthusiastic sharing of detailed information about a topic of intense interest. Unlike typical conversations, info dumping often involves extended monologues, with responses that may not directly follow the previous point. This style of communication has been described as a neurodivergent “love language,” fostering deep connection through shared passion and detailed knowledge.
Unsurprisingly, autistic individuals often form strong attachments to a small circle of close friends, with autistic boys, in particular, exhibiting different friendship patterns compared to their neurotypical peers.
Hyperfocus and the Pursuit of Passion
Autistic individuals are more prone to hyperfocus – a state of intense concentration on a single topic or activity, also known as monotropism. While this can sometimes lead to overwork, hyperfocus can also be a source of immense joy and fulfillment. Being fully immersed in a passion, often referred to as a “flow state,” is a universally enjoyable experience, but may be experienced with greater intensity and frequency by autistic individuals.
Drawing on personal experience, the simple act of observing trees can evoke a profound sense of joy, akin to the warmth felt when connecting with a friend. It’s possible that such experiences trigger the release of oxytocin, often referred to as the “love hormone,” although further research is needed to confirm this connection specifically within the autistic community.
Understanding Autistic Joy
The question remains: how does autistic joy differ from neurotypical happiness? Currently, the research is still developing, but it’s suspected that autistic individuals may derive greater joy from sensory activities than their neurotypical counterparts. What is clear is that focusing solely on the challenges associated with autism overlooks a crucial aspect of the autistic experience – the capacity for profound and unique joy.
It’s essential to recognize and celebrate the diverse ways in which autistic individuals experience happiness, and to create spaces where they feel safe enough to express their authentic, joyful selves. By shifting the narrative and embracing neurodiversity, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society for all.
