On March 20, millions worldwide will celebrate the International Day of Happiness, a day dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the fundamental importance of happiness. At Proof Positive, we believe everyone deserves happiness. The autism community must be included in the pursuit of happiness for all.
Now more than ever, the autism community needs to prioritize wellbeing. Over half (54%) of adults with ASD report having at least one mental health condition, such as anxiety, depression and/or mood disorders; nearly 40% of autistic children experience an anxiety disorder. 41% of autistic individuals report feeling lonely. It is estimated that 40% of autistic adults are unemployed. These outcomes are simply unacceptable. The autism community is not okay, and yet, they have largely been excluded from the global movement toward happiness as a universal right.
What We Know About Happiness
Research suggests that while genetics and circumstances play a role, up to 40% of our happiness is within our control. This tells us that wellbeing can be cultivated through intentional practices such as gratitude, inducing positive emotions, and the use of personal strengths—skills that everyone, including autistic individuals, can learn and benefit from.
Decades of research have demonstrated that individuals who engage in positive psychology practices (e.g., practicing gratitude, using personal strengths, or mindfulness) experience improved wellbeing. And yet, the autism community has been largely excluded from the movement to make happiness accessible for all. As autism and psychology researcher Dr. Peter Vermeulen noted, “It is remarkable that emotional wellbeing and the pursuit of it, although being highly valued for every human being, has received so little attention in research on the autism spectrum.”
What might shift if autistic individuals — and those who support them — had access to positive psychology interventions?
A Wellbeing Revolution for ALL
At Proof Positive, we believe it’s time for a Wellbeing Revolution—one brings happiness and wellbeing to the forefront of autism services and supports. That’s why we created the Autism Wellbeing Alliance – to ensure that autistic individuals and those who support them have access to the tools and resources they need to thrive.
This International Day of Happiness, we encourage you to do something – big or small – to advance happiness in the autism community. Whether it’s practicing and teaching happiness (try our free What Kind of Happy Are You? Activity!), sharing your kind of happy on social media, or doing something that makes you happy, you can play an instrumental role in ensuring that happiness is accessible to all.
Join us in championing a world where happiness is accessible to all.
