Humour as emotion regulation and resource in autism: a narrative review

Humour is closely linked to psychological well-being in neurotypical populations, supporting emotion regulation through mechanisms such as cognitive reappraisal, distraction, and positive affect. In autism, emotion regulation presents unique challenges, and humour use shows qualitative differences, including reduced reliance on adaptive strategies and a high prevalence of gelotophobia. This narrative review synthesises current evidence on humour as both a trait and a character strength. Findings suggest that although humour is less frequently employed in individuals with autism, it can act as a selective but valuable resource for resilience and well-being. Intervention studies, particularly those developed within neurodiversity-affirming frameworks, highlight the potential of humour-based approaches to strengthen emotional and social functioning in autism.