Why Autistic Joy Matters and How to Find your Joy with Stephanie Robertson

Stephanie Robertson is back on the podcast! Steph is a multiply Neurodivergent OT, speaker and founder of SGR Occupational Therapy, and she's presenting her Autistic Joy workshop on day two of the Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference this August. In this episode we explore why Autistic joy isn't just a nice to have, what the research now tells us about centring joy, and how you can make yourself a joy menu, rebuild your joy filter and go on a joy treasure hunt.

"Your play and your engagement with children, the laughter, the joy seeking, it is all evidence-based now. So you can do those things that feel good in your interactions with children, and know that you are achieving so many wonderful things and helping facilitate their development." - Stephanie Robertson

You'll hear:

• What Autistic joy feels like in Steph's whole body, and why the neuronormative expectation that adults don't flap, bounce or squeal is just custard
• What the research now shows when we centre joy in therapy, from better regulation and stronger sense of identity to reduced masking and burnout
• How to make yourself a joy menu, rebuild your joy filter and go on a joy treasure hunt, plus a taste of Steph's Autistic Joy workshop on day two of the (Un)Conference

Steph's joy menu prompts:

Reflect back on the last week and ask yourself:

• What's something that made me smile?
• What made me curious?
• What made me lose track of time?
• What sensory experiences feel good, or do I tend to seek out?
• What made my shoulders soften? What made me laugh?

LINKS

• Neurodiversity Affirming (Un)Conference - 19th and 20th August 2026, all online. 19 incredible Neurodivergent speakers, with Steph's Autistic Joy workshop on day two. Recording-only tickets available (day one is recorded, day two is live only)

Connect with Stephanie Robertson - SGR Occupational Therapy:

• Podcast: Alphabet Soup - Exploring Complex Neurodiversity
• Website: SGR Occupational Therapy
• Instagram: @sgroccupationaltherapy
• Facebook: SGR Holistic and Family Focused Occupational Therapy
• Facebook group: The Neurodiversity Empowerment Movement
• YouTube: The Spiritual OT