Autistic People, Gelotophobia, Gelotophilia and Katagelasticism: a Narrative Review

Abstract

Gelotophobia (fear of being laughed at) is an under researched phenomenon in autistic people, yet can have a significant impact on autistic people's quality of life. A narrative review was undertaken to explore if gelotophobia and being autistic are related and what is currently known in the academic literature regarding gelotophilia (joy of being laughed at) and katagelasticism (excessively enjoying laughing at other) in autistic people. Only five studies were found, and the small evidence base describes autistic people as more likely to be gelotophobes. Most studies used theory of mind as an explanation for gelotophobia in autistic people, however the lack of focus on other relevant theories is highlighted and discussed, providing additional avenues for future research.