This participatory study explored the concept of Autistic Joy, finding that most of the 86 Autistic participants frequently experienced joy, often linked to sensory experiences, special interests, and supportive environments. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the study highlighted that joy arises not from the absence of Autism but from the acceptance of authentic Autistic behaviours. It challenges deficit-based narratives, emphasising that barriers to joy are largely social, not inherent to Autism.
This participatory study explored the concept of Autistic Joy, finding that most of the 86 Autistic participants frequently experienced joy, often linked to sensory experiences, special interests, and supportive environments. Using reflexive thematic analysis, the study highlighted that joy arises not from the absence of Autism but from the acceptance of authentic Autistic behaviours. It challenges deficit-based narratives, emphasising that barriers to joy are largely social, not inherent to Autism.
