How Do You Express Autistic Joy?

How Do You Express Autistic Joy? focuses on autism activism through a celebration of female autistic identity. It challenges the common idea that autism is a negative experience, and instead presents it as a source of insight, creativity, and joy. Drawing on the lived experiences of autistic women, the publication invites the audience to reconsider mainstream ideas surrounding autism. It highlights autistic emotions and sensory intensities as strengths, not weaknesses. Developed through collaborative workshops with autistic women, the publication reflected a collective voice. Visual motifs are inspired by answers, ideas, and shared moments from these sessions - transforming lived experiences into bold, symbolic messages and forms. Created using cut-and-paste collage, risograph printing, and lino printing, each element represents a type of autistic joy. Affirming autism as a vibrant, and valid identity, it is both visual and activist in nature - challenging assumptions and offering a joyful lens on neurodivergence, particularly in women.

Jaida Wicker