Comedy on the spectrum: An interview with Asperger's Are Us

A Review of the Nature and Development of Humor Appreciation and Considerations for Teaching Humor to Autistic Persons

“…It also includes absurdity (a.k.a., surreal humor; humor derived from the ridiculous and unexpected; think Monty Python), dark humor (a.k.a., gallows humor; comedy that makes light of taboo subjects that are typically considered too serious or painful to discuss; think Anthony Jeselnik), or a dead-pan style of delivery (e.g., think Steven Wright). It may also include an affinity for verbal humor comprehension and production (e.g., puns or other word play that hinges on some form of linguistic ambiguity resolution 50 56 ). Distaste for “observational” humor (closely related to “situational humor”; humor derived from what is considered commonplace, and is therefore widely regarded as relatable; think sitcoms) has also been reported.…”

“…Distaste for “observational” humor (closely related to “situational humor”; humor derived from what is considered commonplace, and is therefore widely regarded as relatable; think sitcoms) has also been reported. 56…”

“…As noted in this article's introduction, many autistics (usually identifying as Asperger's) are not only keenly interested in humor and comedy but are skilled humorists themselves. 56,57 Of course, "sense" of humor (and humor preferences) will differ within and across groups. Although there is clearly no single autistic sense of humor, some qualitative research and anecdotal evidence suggest certain predilections.…”

“…Distaste for "observational" humor (closely related to "situational humor"; humor derived from what is considered commonplace, and is therefore widely regarded as relatable; think sitcoms) has also been reported. 56 The importance of autistic heterogeneity. Given the complexity of humor (and its many subcomponents) and the tremendous individual variation observed in autism, it is not surprising that the experience of humor will be highly heterogeneous (a notion that in no way contradicts the potential for autistic group preferences described earlier).…”

“…A final consideration relevant to the nature and development of humor lies at the nexus of the neurodiversity movement and disabilities studies and has been termed "disability humor." 56 In disability studies, disability humor is any humor "that centers on disability or is offered by disabled persons" (Reid et al, as cited in Bertilsdotter Rosqvist 59 ). The deployment of this brand of humor can be liberating, contribute to group solidarity, reveal groups' value systems, and "make visible the boundaries between cultural groups as well as the social glue that holds them together."…”