Laughing with Me, Not at Me: The Importance of Challenging Stereotypes and Misconceptions in Mental Health and Neurodivergence

Beginning with autoethnographic reflections, this paper considers the response of humor (immoral humor and holy humor) to mental health diagnoses—specifically, to neurodivergence, dyslexia, and OCD. It asks: (a) what it looks like when laughter is used by those in positions of power in a way that causes harm; (b) how humor may be used as a form of resistance; and, (c) how the experience of laughter can be used in a way that facilitates inclusion and safety. The paper points to “immoral humor” as a cause of stigma, trivialization, and disempowerment. This is a humor grounded in misunderstanding and misrepresentations about a person’s experience, resulting in a negative impact on mental health. “Holy humor,” on the other hand, understands truth and seeks to bring hope to the powerless. It is a humor which has the ability to dismantle social power dynamics, and thus can act as an act of micro-resistance and ownership. Laughter, when used correctly, can be a gift. When spaces are created where laughter is properly understood, and where people are encouraged and supported to be themselves, neurodivergent people will thrive.