Nurturing Autistic Joy: A Small Dive into Autistic Value-Passions

In a world that tends to pathologize and categorize, Autistic Joy emerges as a powerful force that challenges conventional narratives surrounding how autistic humans interact with our environment. This profound state of being goes beyond fleeting happiness, delving into the intrinsic essence of the autistic experience.

Unveiling the layers of masks placed upon us due to trauma and societal expectations reveals the unfiltered core of Autistic Joy, often obscured or displaced in the journey through life. Many autistic humans may have minimal recollection of this joy, having faced its suppression from a young age. Autistic camouflaging and masking, far from being a mere survival mechanism, form an unconscious, and perilous, way of living that distances us from our Autistic Joy and ourselves. Indeed, Autistic Joy and ourselves are one and the same.

Autistic Joy is not a puzzle to be solved or a symptom to be treated; rather, it is a natural state of being. The Intense World Theory of Autism posits that autistic humans engage with the world with heightened intensity, necessitating the creation of safe havens to cope with this sensory intensity. Far from a flaw, this intensity is a unique and valuable way of navigating the world.

Similarly, the Monotropism Theory of Autism underscores the depth and focus of autistic "interests," which I prefer to term as Autistic Value-Passions. These passions transcend conventional hobbies or passions, serving as essential elements that regulate our nervous systems and connect us to our unmasked selves. Whether intellectual pursuits or embodied stims like sports, these Autistic Value-Passions contribute significantly to our identity and self-regulation, impacting our well-being in ways that conventional understanding may not fully capture.

My coined term Autistic Value-Passions encapsulates the idea that our "special," "proscribed," and "particular" interests are not deviations to be pathologized, but integral aspects of our authentic autistic selves. They act as a source of nervous system regulation, aiding us in navigating an overwhelming world. By embracing our Autistic Value-Passions, we create a framework allowing us to connect with our true selves without filters. While not every passion may induce joy, they serve as pathways to authenticity and self-regulation.

Acknowledging and embracing Autistic Value-Passions extends beyond the pursuit of conventional happiness. It is about fostering connections, deep understanding, and regulation. In the pursuit of these passions, we find solace and purpose that transcends the transient nature of joy. Devon Price's Unmasking Autism beautifully illustrates this point with an example of an Autistic Value-Passion—a certain subreddit—providing regulation without necessarily bringing conventional "joy."

On the other hand, hobbies are activities that bring joy but may not regulate us in the same profound way. Diverse in nature, hobbies range from artistic pursuits to recreational activities, each offering a unique avenue for joy.

However, it's crucial to recognize the dual nature of hobbies. Pursued without balance, they can pose challenges, emphasizing the delicate equilibrium between engagement and regulation. This balance ensures that joy remains a positive force in our lives.

In celebrating Autistic Joy, we challenge the one-size-fits-all approach to well-being. Autistic humans navigate the world with unique strengths and challenges, and by embracing the diversity of Autistic Value-Passions and hobbies, we create a space where Autistic Joy can authentically develop, breaking free from the masks imposed upon us throughout our lives.

Let us cherish the unfiltered Autistic Joy within each of us, understanding that it is not a deviation from "the norm" but a testament to the richness and depth of the autistic experience. In doing so, we move towards a more inclusive and accepting world for us—one that values and celebrates the unique ways in which Autistic Joy manifests in every one of us.

We must embrace the journey of self-discovery through Autistic Value-Passions, unlocking the profound joy that lies within the authentic experience of being autistic.