Moments That Matter: Exploring Autistic Adolescents’ and Their Families’ Joy Through Family Journals
Jeana M. Holt, Katelyn Siekman, Margaret Fairbanks, Mark Fairbanks, Matthew Juzenas, Nathaniel SternJoy is an underexplored dimension in autism research, particularly within family life. This qualitative study examined how autistic adolescents and young adults (AYAs) and their families experience and co-create joy. Using a phenomenological design and reflexive thematic analysis, we analyzed 2-week family joy journals from six families (17 participants: six AYAs, two siblings, and nine caregivers). Journal entries revealed joy as a relational process embedded in everyday routines, creative engagement, and shared experiences. Three overarching themes emerged: Experiences of Everyday Joy (sensory pleasures, creativity, and togetherness), the Relational Nature of Joy (co-experienced joy and creativity), and the Layered Nature of Joy (complex intersections of sensory, emotional, and social dimensions). Families described joy as spontaneous yet deeply meaningful, often heightened by the journaling process. Findings challenge deficit-based narratives by highlighting emotional richness and enjoyment experienced within autistic AYAs and their families. Journaling may hold promise as a supportive routine by drawing attention to protective relational processes such as empathy, reciprocity, and connection. This study highlights the significance of acknowledging joy as a potential catalyst for well-being and flourishing in autism research and practice.
Lay 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.