Most people simply assume that because someone is special needs they are automatically different. From the way they look, to the way they formulate sentences, the general public views special needs people as if they are a different species, when in fact this could not be further from the truth. Interestingly enough, when people interact with those with disabilities, they do it through the means of humor, because humor is naturally a way of breaking the ice. Since humor is such an integral concept to human lifestyle, we as people often communicate using humor, whether it be ironic and satirical, or plain slapstick comedy. People generally believes that since special needs people are different, they are unable to understand, formulate, and use regular humor.

Before we begin to analyze exactly why special needs people are just as capable of humor as anyone else, it is important to present ourselves with the basic facts. As this essay will mainly analyze the likes of people with autism and Asperger’s disease, we will start by defining what makes these people who they are- what makes them different. To start, about 1 in 100 Australians have autism (Autism Speaks). Respectfully referred to as “people on the spectrum,” they mainly face difficulties in “social communication and interaction,” as well as a trend in repetitive behaviors (Autism Spectrum Australia). In short, they have trouble properly communicating their feelings. It is believed that people with autism are born with it, not genetically, but rather through “toxic exposures during pregnancy and complications during birth” (Autism Speaks). Autism is similar to other disorders such as dyslexia, where scientists believe are conditions at birth- but we are unable to observe until the child learns to read. Most autistic children are not diagnosed until about two years of age (Autism Speaks). 

Asperger’s syndrome is a very similar disorder to autism. Known to be on the highly functioning end of the autism spectrum, people diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome tend to have “challenges with nonverbal communication” and “obsessions with specific, rather unusual topics” (Autism Speaks).  Similar to autism, it is not diagnosable until certain symptoms are recognized, and if often confused with attention deficit disorder, or ADD. Unlike autism, it is believed that Asperger’s syndrome is genetic, as it has been observed to be passed down through generations. 

There are also many misconceptions about autism (and consequently, Asperger’s). First, may people believe that autism is a mental health disorder, when in fact it is a neurological disorder. This means that is potentially caused by “abnormalities in the brain structure” and “neurotransmitter levels” (Neurotypical). In addition, people on the autism spectrum tend to behave more aggressively than the average person, when it is in fact quite the opposite. People on the spectrum are actually less violent in general. This misconception comes from recent news stories where violence in “autistic individuals usually arise from emotional distress and sensory overload” (Neurotypical). It is important to clear up these misconceptions so that we can properly prepare nonbiased analysis on children on the autism spectrum.

In short, scientists and doctors aren’t quite sure what exactly causes these conditions. However, they have made monumental leaps in how to treat these symptoms, whether it be through intensive therapies, medications, or other means. They are also quite positive that while these disorders affect parts of the brain, they are still fully functioning, normal human beings (Autism Spectrum Australia). They are by no means brain dead, or even any chemically different from someone who has ADHD, bipolar disorder, or even a social anxiety disorder. This means that though noticeably different, people with Asperger’s and autism are still capable of functioning normally. Specifically, they are capable of using, formulating, and understanding humor.

A recent study asked people with Asperger’s if they thought their humor was any different than the humor of normal people. Many of them actually suggested that their humor relies strongly on a “play on words… and is very childish” (Bertilsdotter Rosqvist 240). Likewise, children with autism are noted to “exhibit social anxiety” when attempting to perform their humor, perhaps due to their environment (May 438). Again, though they may have trouble expressing their humor, and though it may be at a basic, childish level, it does not mean that they are incapable of generating humor. Apart from analyzing this through recent studies, this can also be analyzed through the means of real life, comedic situations. 

As a matter of fact, a very popular comedy troupe perfectly exhibits this assertion. In 2010, troupe, known as “Asperger’s Are Us,” was founded. Four kids, known by the names of Jack, Ethan, Noah, and ‘New Michael,’ all met at a summer camp for children with Asperger’s syndrome. Explored through their self-titled documentary, the four of them formed a comedy troupe and started selling tickets to their shows. They have since gained a huge following, from people with Asperger’s who aspire to be like them all the way to others, who truly admire their strength and courage. But while that may be true, they could not have gotten to where they are today without their use of comedy. In fact, Jack notes in the documentary, “Yeah, it’s great to support people with disabilities, especially when you throw your money at them… but people like us because we make them laugh” (Asperger’s Are Us 4:00). It appears as if the general public loves their comedy. Their page has over 10,000 likes on Facebook and their website is packed full of humorous links, jokes, and merchandise. Again, while their jokes may be slightly more basic and childish than the humor of the average young adult, these men aren’t any different because they have Asperger’s. In fact, because of their group’s success, the group has gotten international attention, and it has led them to some interesting and exciting opportunities. Jack has been nationally recognized and asked to attend a four-year program at Oxford University in London, while Ethan has gotten numerous opportunities to help spread awareness for Autism, and has even landed himself in the television mini-series, Mr. Biffo’s Found Footage (IMDB). This further goes to prove that people with Asperger’s syndrome are perfectly capable of formulating and understanding the basic concepts of humor. 

Another strong believer of humorous potential in Autistic children is Lee Chasen. 20 years ago, Chasen, PhD, started a nonprofit organization that helps children with autism improve their social skills through drama therapy. This therapy helps these children find “how we understand and relate to ourselves and each other,” as well as “develop self-awareness and social connection” (JWP). As explored in his book, Social Skills, Emotional Growth and Drama Therapy: Inspiring Connection on the Autism Spectrum, this therapy takes place over 30 sessions. Session 18 explores “children taking turns getting up on stage with the microphone and telling jokes to explore how words can represent different meanings and perspectives.” During this session, the children truly demonstrate the basic human desire for humor. Chasen speaks of the children “good naturedly laugh at anything and everything,” demonstrating their clear understanding of classic comedy. While the book states that some of the therapy leaders didn’t understand some of the jokes, it shows that they all greatly appreciated their attempt and thought it was hilarious to see them get on stage, and tell jokes that they thought were hilarious. Similarly, it is noted that this served as a great bonding opportunity for the children, and that this actually made the children become friendlier with one another, which was much to Chasen’s surprise after many unsuccessful attempts to get them to bond with each other.

Created by and written by Robia Rashid, the mastermind behind shows including How I Met Your Mother and The Goldberg’s, comes the new series, Atypical. (IMDB) Atypical is centered around 18-year-old Sam Gardner, a young adult on the autism spectrum. However, according to critics and analysts, this show misses the mark on how an autistic adult actually acts. In fact, while this show is labeled as a comedy, they completely disregard any jokes and humor that could be formulated by Sam. Instead, the show focuses on generating humor by falsely trademarking Sam’s character as “funny in a peculiar way” (Atypical). Instead of using wholesome opportunities to educate the world about autism in a humorous way, this show makes it “permissible to view [autism] as funny, as well as a condition that makes things difficult and challenging” (IMDB). This show fails to educate the world about the characteristics of a highly functioning person with autism, and completely neglects his own sense of humor, even though this show is a comedy. It seems to be a missed opportunity. If the proper research was conducted, the writers of the show could’ve created comedy in a much more wholesome way.

In short, everyone is capable of humor. Whether you are on the autism spectrum or not, everyone is clearly capable of generating, formulating, and understanding comedy. This idea, this stigma, that special needs people are so different that they can’t understand a simple joke is not only wrong but immoral. We must strive and use our voice to stomp out this stereotype and make sure that no one is treated unfairly and unequally, regardless of their condition. What we should be doing, is using humor to bring people closer together, regardless of race, religion, gender, ethnicity, social status, or impairments.
