Defining Autistic Flourishing: Exploring Lived Experiences through a Neurodivergent Lens

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Hedlund, Å., Lindström, T., Bölte, S., Black, M. H., Hirvikoski, T., Isakson, K., Unéus, D., Ingard, C., Wik, J., & Bertilsdotter Rosqvist, H. (2026). Defining Autistic Flourishing: Exploring Lived Experiences through a Neurodivergent Lens. Autism in Adulthood. https://doi.org/10.1177/25739581261462070

Publication date: 11 Jul 2026 Added to AutiHub: 14 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
10
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 10 (10.0%)
  1. Åsa Hedlund
  2. Therese Lindström
  3. Sven Bölte
  4. Melissa H. Black
  5. Tatja Hirvikoski
  1. Kajsa Isakson
  2. Danielle Unéus
  3. Cecilia Ingard
  4. Jonas Wik
  5. Hanna Bertilsdotter Rosqvist *

Abstract

Background: Autism has historically been conceptualized in ways that exclude the possibility of flourishing or a “good life.” However, shifts in our understanding of autism, alongside a more recent discourse driven primarily by the voices of autistic people, have highlighted that many autistic people can flourish according to their subjectively determined standards. The application of neuronormative ideas of what it means to live a good life is increasingly challenged. This study, led by neurodivergent researchers, examines autistic flourishing from the perspective of autistic adults. Methods: This co-produced phenomenological study sought to explore autistic perspectives on flourishing. We interviewed a total of 29 autistic adults one to four times each, either through focus groups, individual oral interviews, or written responses. We analyzed the interview data using qualitative reflexive thematic analysis. Results: Participants described their definitions of flourishing, both short and long terms. They included personal growth, connection, and self-determination, as well as opportunities for experiencing pleasure. Based on the insights of autistic adults, we understand autistic flourishing as a dynamic phenomenon that unites long-term growth and autonomy with short-term experiences of mental, physical, or holistic enjoyment. Conclusion: Autistic flourishing means engaging with the world in one’s own autistic way, not adapting to neuronormative standards. It should not be conflated with neurotypical flourishing, as this weakens its meaning. It should be explored how support can nurture autistic ways of being, rather than push for conformity with neuronormative expectations.

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Bibliography inclusion overview

These indicators describe the cited bibliography imported for this publication. Cited-reference metrics use the cited-reference total as denominator. Cited-author metrics state whether they use all cited-author occurrences or only occurrences linked to authors already integrated in the AutiHub database. They use cached links between cited authors and authors integrated in the AutiHub database. Last computed: 16 Aug 2026 11:31.

Cited references
50
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
15 / 50 (30.0%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
25 / 162 (15.4%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 25 / 75 (33.3%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 18 / 147 (12.2%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
75 / 162 (46.3%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 62 / 147 (42.2%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
50 / 75 (66.7%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 50 / 162 (30.9%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 44 / 62 (71.0%).
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