The joy of autism

This resonates for me too, I make myself do stuff but inside I’m bricking it, trying to fit in hoping not to be weird. I think it is important to participate in activities even if it’s hard otherwise our options become very limited and I think I kind of shrink. Sometimes it’s too much though finding a balance that’s bearable maybe the key.ArchaeC 

This feels so true, to be accepted and included. People tell me I don’t smile enough, I feel I’m smiling sometimes but people tell me I’m not, so I took a selfie recently and saw I wasn’t smiling, guess there’s a disconnect. Sometimes I’m sad and I hope that doesn’t show though.

Lovely article - thanks for sharing

Sorry, I'm not sure why I mis-understood the intent of your post.

I thought your point was more why do people think there is an absence rather than a difference.

Thanks Stuart, I was asking rhetorically, there are plenty of things that bring NT and ND people joy that I don't understand, like sport and musical theatre, I just want enough space to be able to run away screaming and go back to my books.

I think there are a number of reasons. In my opinion it is related to these:

1. Autism is defined in terms of being a disorder with deficits rather than differences, and is treated as a disability in the legislation. The general perception will be that it is negative and something is missing. I also think the uniformed view it as a learning disability.
2. Facial expressions and communications aren't always what NTs expect. If outward expressions are different it will be assumed the feelings are less good or missing.
3. NTs may not be able to understand why or how certain things could bring so much joy. They may also not be able to relate to the sometimes different emotions and feelings.

Thanks for sharing this. Really nice read and nice to read something so positive about autism

Quite right, why do people believe we're incapable of love and joy?

Thanks for sharing, good to read a positive post

Thank you, that made me smile.

That is a joyous thing to read, and in my experience true! 

I am reluctant to disclose that I am autistic, due to being ridiculed or dismissed in the past, and like so many artists, often put up with sensory assaults as I want to fit into specific situations or I believe the other person or persons will not appreciate my needs and I would be considered selfish. I cannot work out how to give and take in a balanced fashion.  I have read lots on this theme but even for non autistic people, it isn’t an exact science. I think the only way to overcome this is to make people more aware that just because autistic people can do certain things, it doesn’t mean they can do the things easily without using up huge reserves of energy.

This is a fantastic read. Thanks for the recommendation!