Happiness is a universal right. Yet, for many, it remains an elusive concept—something often overlooked and seemingly difficult to achieve. The reality is that happiness isn’t being realized for far too many people, especially autistic people.
But what if we told you that happiness could be learned? What if there were practical, proven skills that could improve happiness? Great news – there are! With intentional effort and support, happiness can become a reality for everyone. Here are three truths about happiness.
- Everyone deserves happiness, including those with autism.
The fact is, too many individuals with autism struggle to realize positive life-course outcomes. Many autistic individuals report lower levels of life satisfaction — and more feelings of loneliness and isolation — than the general population and also experience higher rates of depression and anxiety.
And yet, the autism community has largely been left behind in the global movement to make happiness a universal right. Autistic people, just like everyone else, deserve to experience joy, connection, and meaning. Everyone deserves to access happiness. That’s why Proof Positive created the Autism Wellbeing Alliance – so that the autism community is not left behind in the pursuit of happiness for all.
2. Happiness can be learned by all.
That’s right, happiness isn’t a fixed state, it is a LEARNED skill. And everyone, including people with autism, can learn the skills of happiness with the right supports. Research in positive psychology suggests that while some aspects of happiness are influenced by genetics and circumstances, a significant portion is within our control – and, therefore, can be learned and practiced, just like learning to ride a bike or learning to read. The more you make a routine out of practicing the skills of happiness, the more you can positively impact your wellbeing.
The skills of happiness are rooted in positive psychology, the study of human strengths and virtues that enables individuals to flourish. Researchers and practitioners have seen tremendous benefits in teaching and practicing the skills of happiness.
People who practice the skills of happiness enjoy:
- higher levels of pleasure, engagement, and meaning in life
- longer, healthier lives
- improved cardiac function, faster recovery from injury and illness
- improved sleep quality
- stronger relationships and are seen as better leaders
- increased performance at school and work
- increased wellbeing and life satisfaction
- lower levels of depression and anxiety
3. Proof Positive exists to bring happiness to the autism community.
Proof Positive makes the evidence-informed skills of happiness accessible to the autism community with free tools, resources, and adapted teaching strategies tailored to learners with autism as well as their educators, families, and communities. Whether it’s intentionally sparking positivity with Jolts of Joy, practicing gratitude with What Went Well, or regularly Strength Spotting the people in your life, we can all learn to experience more happiness and greater wellbeing by practicing and spreading the science and skills of happiness.
By spreading the science and skills of happiness together, we can create a world where wellbeing wins for all.
