Prosper Health's Autism Resource Center

It’s safe to say that a lot of autistic adults are tired of talking about coping strategies. Although these strategies can be useful, and sometimes even lifesaving, it often feels like we’re the ones who are expected to adapt and carry the weight of an inaccessible world. 

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As an autistic person, I know this firsthand. I also know that much of what makes life difficult for us is outside our control: sensory overload, misperceptions, stigma, workplace bullying and systems that weren’t designed with us in mind. So, are coping strategies really going to fix all that? No, not likely. But they might help us navigate those realities on our own terms, and that can make a big difference.

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What resilience really means for autistic people

Emotional resilience is the ability to adapt in the face of high stress levels, adversity or trauma while maintaining or regaining a sense of emotional well-being. This is especially critical for autistic people, who disproportionately experience nervous system dysregulation and co-occurring mental health diagnoses like anxiety and depression.

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In this context, emotional resilience doesn’t mean bottling things up or appearing fine. It means developing sustainable ways to feel, process and express emotions in ways that actually work for the minds and bodies of those on the autism spectrum. It means allowing ourselves the time we need to make sense of how we feel, seeking out environments that don’t punish us for being different, and resisting internalized ableism that tells us our experiences are wrong. 

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Autistic strengths in resilience 

Autistic people are already incredibly resilient. The very fact that we show up each day in a world that often misunderstands or marginalizes us is a testament to that resilience. We already use countless strategies like stimming, routines and deep dives into special interests that support our well-being. 

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Autistic individuals often demonstrate emotional resilience in a myriad of ways that challenge conventional definitions. These include:

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• Authenticity in the face of social pressure
• Persistence in pursuing deeply meaningful interests or goals
• Creative problem-solving that emerges from divergent thinking
• The ability to find joy and meaning in specific areas of focus
• Direct communication, which can lead to more honest and grounded relationships

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Resilience, then, isn’t a measure of how well we conform to neurotypical expectations, but of how we draw on our strengths and resources to move through the world in ways that are true to who we are.

Executive functioning refers to a set of cognitive skills that enable us to manage everyday life effectively. This includes planning, organizing, starting tasks, staying focused and regulating emotions. Think of executive functioning as the brain’s management system. For autistic adults, executive functioning can be both a major challenge and an area of opportunity for growth and support. Research suggests that up to 70% of autistic people struggle with executive functioning. However, some autistic people may also have particular strengths in certain areas of executive functioning.

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Executive functioning impacts things like paying bills on time, remembering appointments, shifting between tasks and coping with stress. Autism often brings unique patterns of executive function differences—not deficits in intelligence or motivation. Understanding these patterns can help autistic adults and those who support them develop more effective strategies and create environments that align with how their brains function most effectively.

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While not every autistic person struggles with executive functioning, many do experience difficulties in areas like cognitive flexibility, working memory and self-regulation. These challenges can be supported with the right tools, techniques and understanding.

Job interviews can be especially challenging for autistic adults. Many formats rely on small talk, rapid responses, and interpreting subtle social cues—skills that may not come naturally to everyone. But that doesn’t mean autistic candidates aren’t qualified. It means the hiring process wasn’t built with neurodivergent minds in mind.

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Understanding how autism can influence communication, sensory needs and stress responses helps autistic job seekers prepare with greater clarity and confidence. Accommodations can make the interviewing process easier.

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By recognizing what works best for them, autistic individuals can approach interviews with greater confidence. With preparation and self-advocacy, the process becomes not only manageable but empowering.

Journaling is more than just writing in a notebook. It’s a powerful tool for self-discovery, emotional regulation and personal growth, especially for autistic adults. Autism journaling refers to the practice of writing about thoughts, feelings and experiences in a way that supports self-understanding and mental well-being.

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For many autistic people, journaling offers a safe, private space to explore emotions, track patterns and express things that might be difficult to say out loud. Whether you’re using structured prompts or freewriting, journaling is a therapeutic habit that encourages clarity and calm.

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As a form of therapeutic writing, journaling can also enhance communication skills and foster a deeper sense of self-awareness and connection. For autistic adults navigating a world that often feels overwhelming or confusing, journaling offers a steady, supportive tool for managing life’s challenges and celebrating personal wins.

Staying organized can be especially challenging for many autistic adults. Executive functioning differences—like difficulties with time management, task initiation or shifting between activities—can make it hard to stay on top of daily responsibilities. These challenges aren’t about laziness or lack of motivation—they’re a neurological reality that can affect every area of life.

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That’s where productivity tools and apps come in. When designed with neurodiversity in mind—or thoughtfully chosen to match your specific needs—these tools can provide structure, reduce stress and support independence. 

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Features like visual schedules, task timers, checklists, reminders and minimal, uncluttered interfaces can make a world of difference in turning overwhelming routines into manageable steps.

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For many autistic adults, finding tools that match how their brain works can lead to meaningful improvements in focus, follow-through and daily well-being.

For autistic adults, understanding your diagnosis and the labels that may have once applied can be a powerful step toward self-awareness and advocacy. If you were diagnosed before 2013, the terms PDD-NOS (pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified) and Asperger’s syndrome may feel deeply familiar. While these diagnoses were cut from the DSM-5, they continue to hold meaning, especially for individuals who identify with the traits and lived experiences associated with them.

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By understanding the distinctions and overlaps between PDD-NOS and Asperger’s, autistic adults can find relatable community experiences and make informed decisions about support and self-care. Exploring these diagnostic categories with a nuanced lens not only sheds light on where one fits within the broader autism spectrum but also affirms the diverse ways autism manifests across individuals.