“Moments That Matter: Exploring Autistic Adolescents’ and Their Families’ Joy Through Family Journals.”

Publishing Journal: Autism

Authors

Dr. Jeana M. Holt, Dr. Katelyn Siekman, Margaret Fairbanks, Mark Fairbanks, Matthew Juzenas, Dr. Naqthaniel Stern

Abstract

Joy is an essential part of life, yet it is rarely studied in autism research. This study explored how autistic adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and their families experience joy in everyday life. We invited six families to keep a “joy journal” for 2 weeks, asking them to write down what brought them joy each day. Seventeen people participated, including six autistic AYAs, two siblings, and nine caregivers. The family joy journals revealed that joy often stemmed from simple, familiar activities, such as reading, listening to music, sharing meals, or spending time with pets. Creative activities, such as drawing, dancing, and playing games, were also familiar sources of joy. Families described joy as something that happens together, not just alone. Many caregivers wrote about feeling joy when they saw their child happy or proud, and AYAs often mentioned enjoying time with family and friends. Three main themes emerged: Experiences of Everyday Joy, the Relational Nature of Joy, and Layered Experiences of Joy, in which sensory pleasure, emotional connection, and shared routines combine. Families reported that the journaling process helped them notice and appreciate joyful moments more frequently. These findings challenge stereotypes that autistic people lack positive emotions. Instead, they show that joy is abundant and deeply relational in autistic AYAs and their families. Recognizing and nurturing joy can strengthen family bonds and support well-being. Simple practices like joy journaling may help families focus on their strengths and create more supportive environments.