Happy flapping, info-dumping, the perfect cup of tea… let’s talk about AuDHD joy.
Why talk about joy?
AuDHD brains don’t just feel stress deeply. They feel joy deeply too. Autistic joy and ADHD excitement can make small things feel magical.
Your delight is not too much. It’s wonderful.
It is easy to talk about AuDHD only in terms of difficulty, but the same intensity applies to good feelings too. Autistic joy can be deep and physical: delight in a favourite subject, a perfect texture, a routine that works. ADHD excitement brings energy and enthusiasm for new ideas. Many AuDHD people feel happiness strongly and show it openly, and many were told to tone it down. That joy is one of the best parts of being who you are.
Two kinds of joy
A quick comparison:
| Autistic joy | ADHD joy |
|---|---|
| A perfect routine | A brand new idea |
| A special interest deep-dive | Spontaneous adventures |
| The right texture | Hyperfocus flow |
| Finding your people | A burst of creativity |
Joy, in all its forms.
What it can look like
It varies from person to person, but it often includes:
- Happy stimming at good news
- Info-dumping about something you love
- The perfect cup of tea, made the same way every day
- Starting a brand new project
- Finding someone who shares your interest
Make room for joy
- Protect your interests: Time for what you love.
- Stim freely: Happy flapping counts.
- Collect small joys: Notice the little things.
- Share your passions: With people who get it.
- Say yes to wonder: Curiosity is a gift.
Joy is allowed
- Unmask your happiness: No need to tone it down.
- Celebrate small wins: They count too.
- Rewatch your favourites: Comfort is joyful.
- Laugh at the chaos: Doom piles can be funny.
- Find AuDHD community: Shared joy is bigger.
Where to start
Make room for it deliberately. Protect time for the things you love, and let yourself show happiness in the way that comes naturally. Notice small pleasures as well as big ones. Share them with people who enjoy your enthusiasm. You do not need to make your joy smaller for anyone.
The bottom line
Joy looks good on you.
This post is for awareness, not diagnosis.
Want the swipeable version? This post is also a carousel on Instagram: follow @johnhasaudhd for more on life with AuDHD.