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The joy of autism

Wordsmith

I have just come across an interesting article in Psychology Today: ‘What Brings Autistic People Joy?’ by Ludmila Praslova. In it she summarizes a recent research paper on autistic experiences of joy. I particularly like the way she ends:

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.

Parents

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

  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    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.
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  • in reply to TheCatWoman

    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.
Children