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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

  • 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.

  • in reply to ArchaeC

    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. 

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  • in reply to ArchaeC

    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. 

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