Letting Autistic Joy Shine: Why Society Needs to Stop Pathologizing Our Happiness
Bridgette Hamstead
For too long, society has framed autism through a deficit-based lens, focusing almost exclusively on the struggles and challenges autistic individuals face. While it is crucial to acknowledge the very real barriers imposed by an ableist world, the conversation often ignores something just as important—autistic joy. The moments of unfiltered happiness, deep passion for special interests, and the unique ways autistic people experience pleasure and connection are rarely recognized, and when they are, they are often pathologized or dismissed as childish, excessive, or inappropriate.
Autistic joy is a powerful and essential part of being autistic. It can be found in deep fascination with a subject, in the sensory pleasures of stimming, in the excitement of sharing a special interest with others, and in the comfort of engaging in a routine that brings peace. Yet, instead of celebrating these expressions of joy, society often treats them as symptoms of autism that need to be “managed” or “corrected.” This pathologization not only diminishes the experiences of autistic individuals but also reinforces harmful stereotypes that reduce autism to a list of difficulties rather than acknowledging it as a valid way of experiencing the world.
The Beauty of Special Interests
One of the most profound sources of autistic joy comes from special interests—deep, passionate fixations on specific topics that bring immense satisfaction and fulfillment. Special interests are often framed as obsessive or restrictive, yet for autistic people, they are a fundamental part of self-expression, learning, and emotional well-being. When an autistic person engages with a special interest, they are not just engaging in a hobby; they are immersing themselves in something that provides comfort, intellectual stimulation, and often a sense of identity.
Despite the positive role special interests play in the lives of autistic individuals, they are frequently dismissed or discouraged. Autistic children are often told to “talk about something else” or “tone it down” when they passionately discuss their favorite topics. In adulthood, special interests may be seen as unprofessional or socially inappropriate, leading many autistic individuals to suppress their passions in order to conform to neurotypical expectations. This suppression can be deeply harmful, as it forces autistic people to deny themselves one of the most natural and fulfilling aspects of their existence.
Rather than discouraging special interests, society should embrace them as valuable and meaningful. Encouraging autistic people to explore their passions not only supports their well-being but also allows them to contribute their expertise and enthusiasm to the world in ways that benefit everyone.
The Stimming Stigma: Finding Joy in Movement
Stimming—repetitive movements or sounds that help regulate emotions and sensory input—is another profound source of autistic joy that is often misunderstood. Whether it’s hand-flapping, rocking, humming, or playing with a favorite object, stimming provides comfort, focus, and self-regulation. For many autistic individuals, stimming is not just a coping mechanism; it is an expression of happiness and excitement.
Despite its importance, stimming is often discouraged in school, the workplace, and social settings. Autistic children are taught to suppress stims to appear more neurotypical, and autistic adults face stigma when they engage in self-regulatory movements in public. The message is clear: autistic joy, when expressed in ways that differ from neurotypical norms, is not acceptable.
This suppression of stimming is rooted in ableism and a fundamental misunderstanding of neurodivergent needs. Rather than forcing autistic individuals to hide their joy, society should normalize stimming as a valid and healthy form of self-expression. Just as neurotypical people engage in behaviors that bring them comfort—such as tapping their fingers, swaying to music, or fidgeting—autistic people should be allowed to experience and express joy in ways that feel natural to them.
The Harm of Infantilization and Dismissal
Autistic joy is frequently dismissed or trivialized as something childlike, reinforcing the harmful stereotype that autistic people are perpetual children who do not experience emotions in the same way neurotypical adults do. When an autistic adult gets excited about their favorite topic, enjoys sensory-friendly toys, or engages in playful behavior, they are often met with condescension or judgment. This infantilization ignores the reality that autistic people of all ages find joy in different ways and that their happiness is just as valid as anyone else's.
The problem with this infantilization is that it reinforces the idea that autistic experiences are not "real" or "mature." It also prevents autistic individuals from being taken seriously in professional, social, and advocacy spaces. Instead of viewing autistic joy as something to be outgrown, society should recognize that joy, curiosity, and passion are essential at every stage of life.
Reclaiming Autistic Joy
The pathologization of autistic joy is part of a broader societal pattern that prioritizes conformity over authenticity. Neurotypical social norms dictate that emotions must be expressed in a particular way, that interests must be limited to socially acceptable topics, and that movement must be controlled and restrained. But autistic people do not need to conform to these restrictive expectations to be valid and worthy of respect.
Reclaiming autistic joy means pushing back against these societal norms and embracing neurodivergent ways of experiencing happiness. It means creating spaces where autistic people can engage with their special interests without fear of judgment, where stimming is normalized rather than suppressed, and where expressions of excitement and enthusiasm are celebrated rather than dismissed. It also means advocating for broader societal change—ensuring that schools, workplaces, and public spaces are designed to support autistic well-being rather than force autistic individuals to mask and suppress their natural selves.
Moving Toward a Neurodiversity-Affirming Society
A truly neurodiversity-affirming society would not just accommodate autistic people—it would celebrate them. It would recognize that autistic joy is not something to be corrected but something to be nurtured. It would acknowledge that different ways of experiencing happiness are valid, and that self-expression should never be policed simply because it does not align with neurotypical norms.
To create this world, we must challenge the narratives that reduce autism to suffering and deficit. We must amplify autistic voices and prioritize the perspectives of those who experience neurodivergence firsthand. We must push back against ableist expectations that demand autistic people suppress their happiness to make others comfortable. And most importantly, we must give autistic individuals—of all ages and support needs—the freedom to experience and express joy in the ways that are most meaningful to them.
Conclusion: Let Autistic Joy Shine
Autistic joy is powerful, valid, and essential. It is found in deep interests, in the sensory pleasures of stimming, in the excitement of learning, and in the simple pleasures that neurotypical society too often dismisses. It is not something to be hidden or managed—it is something to be embraced and celebrated.
It is time for society to stop pathologizing autistic happiness and start valuing it. When we let autistic joy shine, we not only support neurodivergent individuals—we create a world that is more accepting, inclusive, and affirming for everyone. And in that world, autistic people will no longer have to fight for the right to be happy on their own terms—they will simply be free to exist as they are, without shame, without suppression, and with joy.