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Prosper Health's Autism Resource Center
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Special Interests and Autism
Most autistic individuals have one or more special interests. A special interest is an intense fixation that far exceeds a typical hobby or passion. An autistic person will typically have the desire to devote large portions of their time, and sometimes large portions of their money, to their special interests. Neurotypical people can and do experience fixations or passions, but having a special interest is a trait strongly associated with autism.
Here’s what you need to know about special interests, how they manifest, the benefits of encouraging them, and more.
What Are Signs of Autism in Adults? A Guide to Autistic Traits and Self-Discovery
When you picture someone with autism, there’s a good chance that a child comes to mind. Maybe your nephew or a member of your child’s class is diagnosed, so you’re familiar with some of the behaviors associated with the condition...or at least how they show up in children. But millions of autistic adults exist too, since autism is a distinct neurotype, not something you grow out of.
However, if the condition wasn’t assessed already in childhood, it can be harder to spot as an adult. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in 45 adults is autistic, and even more are likely undiagnosed.
Though there are many shared traits between the age groups, autism can present differently in adults than in children, which is something we'll discuss in depth within this article. But fundamentally, the signs of autism in adults include a range of characteristics like:
- Social interaction and communication differences
- Self-soothing and self-regulatory behaviors
- Sensory and processing differences
- Special interests and activities
- Emotional regulation and cognitive traits
If you suspect you may be autistic, you likely know the journey toward diagnosis isn’t so straightforward. It can be confusing and frustrating! Especially since no two people with autism are the same, and everyone has their own unique combination of strengths and challenges.
On top of that, many adults tend to mask their autistic behaviors to fit in with their neurotypical peers, oftentimes without even realizing it. Plus, thanks to gender and cultural bias and other stereotypes, countless autistic adults are overlooked due to their more subtle presentation of the condition.
That’s why Prosper Health is here to provide you with a clear, inclusive, neurodivergent-affirming breakdown of adult autism signs: what they are, why they’re often missed, and what to do if they resonate.
Understanding Autism and Relationships: Navigating Love, Family and Friendship
Autism can shape how individuals experience relationships, bringing unique strengths like honesty, loyalty, and focus. However, autism also creates challenges related to interpreting social cues or expressing emotions. These differences can easily lead to misunderstandings.
Autistic people thrive in relationships with clear communication and mutual understanding. For instance, they may prefer direct communication or need time to recharge after sensory overload. When these needs are respected, it fosters trust and support.
How to Get Tested for Autism as an Adult: A Comprehensive Guide
Have you ever thought about getting tested for autism?
Perhaps because, as both a child and an adult, you’ve always felt misunderstood or out of sync with your peers. You could never quite put your finger on why you were different, but deep down, you knew there had to be an underlying reason. As our collective understanding of autism and diverse neurotypes grows, more and more people are realizing their autism might have been missed when they were kids and are now seeking a diagnosis in adulthood.
The day we received my daughter’s autism diagnosis, it felt like the world finally opened its doors to our family. But so many autistic individuals have lived their entire lives without knowing they are neurodivergent, and as a result, aren’t getting the support they need. Luckily, it’s never too late to get an autism diagnosis, but the process can feel intimidating. Where do you even start? Especially when autism testing options for adults, as well as data on autistic adults, are still relatively limited.
For example, the Centers for Disease Control estimates that 1 in 45 adults in the United States is autistic, but many are undiagnosed.
The good news is that there is growing recognition of the need for more accessible and respectful autism assessments and diagnoses. This has led to a push to improve the overall autism testing process for adults in recent years. According to a study published in JAMA Network Open, the rate of diagnosis in young adults (age range: 26-34) rose 450% between 2011 and 2022.
Getting yourself tested for autism can feel like an overwhelming task. That’s why Prosper Health is here to provide you with a step-by-step, supportive guide that will give you everything you need to know about the diagnostic process, from self-reflection to post-diagnosis support and resources.
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Supporting Autistic People’s Unique Relationships with Food: Honoring Autonomy, Sensory Needs and Nourishment
Eating is a routine activity for most people, but for autistic individuals, it can be deeply tied to sensory experiences, autonomy and emotional well-being. Autistic people commonly face food-related challenges including sensory sensitivities, interoception differences and restricted diets.
Rather than focusing on compliance or normalizing food habits, supporting autistic people means respecting their individual relationships with food, embracing sensory needs and upholding autonomy. At the same time, it is important to consider any physical health impacts of dietary differences and discuss these with your physician in order to make an informed decision about whether you want to consider changes in order to maintain your health or prevent future health problems. You should always involve a doctor or nutritionist in any plans to make significant dietary changes, and any tips provided below have not been reviewed by a physician and are not intended to serve as medical advice.
Read on for affirming support strategies rooted in respect and self-understanding.
Navigating Friendship on the Autism Spectrum: Strategies for Success
Making friends while having autism spectrum disorder can feel complicated, exhausting or even discouraging—especially when social rules seem unclear or your way of connecting doesn’t always match what others expect. Many autistic people grow up being told they’re “too much,” “too quiet” or “too blunt,” which can make reaching out feel risky. You might have been burned before or feel unsure about how to move from casual interactions to deeper connections.
But friendship doesn’t have to follow a neurotypical script to be meaningful. When you understand your own social needs, boundaries and communication style, it becomes easier to build relationships that feel safe and authentic. While every person’s experience is different, there are some common challenges autistic individuals can face when it comes to friendship. Thankfully, there are also practical, affirming strategies for forming connections in ways that honor who you are.
Whether you’re looking to make one solid friend or expand your community a little at a time, friendship is possible—and you deserve it.
Navigating Autism and Gender Dysphoria: A Journey Towards Identity and Acceptance
For many people living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), exploring gender identity can feel especially complex. Research and community experience consistently show that autistic individuals are more likely to identify as transgender, nonbinary or outside the traditional gender binary than the general population.
That doesn’t mean being autistic causes someone to be transgender or vice versa. Instead, this should be a wake-up call to understanding how neurodivergence can shape people's experience and expression. For example, this can lead to an autistic person questioning social norms more often and feeling less pressure to conform to the traditional gender role for their assigned gender or sex.
Understanding this intersection is crucial. Gender dysphoria is often just one part of a broader autistic identity that deserves affirmation, respect and support. Recognizing how autism and gender diversity interact helps reduce stigma, improve mental health outcomes and empower autistic individuals to live more fully as their authentic selves.
Top Jobs for Autistic People: Navigating the Workplace with Confidence
Navigating the job market can be difficult for anyone, but it’s especially hard for autistic individuals. Compared to neurotypical adults, autistic adults often face higher rates of unemployment or underemployment. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of autistic adults are unemployed or underemployed in general, and that number may be as high as 85% when considering specifically autistic adults with college degrees.
Therefore, it’s not only important to understand the role that autism spectrum disorder plays in the workforce, but it’s also important to know which jobs may be best suited for autistic employees.
How to Find the Right Therapist: A Guide For Autistic Adults
Finding the right therapist can be life-changing, especially for autistic adults, who often face unique challenges that many mental health professionals aren't fully equipped to understand. The therapeutic relationship is a deeply personal one.
For neurodivergent individuals, it's essential that the therapist not only has clinical expertise but also a respectful, affirming approach to autism itself. Too often, autistic adults encounter professionals who pathologize their experiences or prioritize masking over authentic self-expression, which can lead to harm rather than healing.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to find a therapist who truly sees and supports you on your terms, so that you can be partners on your journey toward better mental health.
How to Regulate Your Nervous System: A Guide for Autistic Adults
It’s likely that you’ve heard of the fight, flight or freeze response, but have you heard about its balancing counterpart, rest-and-digest? Understanding the balance between these two processes in the body is crucial for improving nervous system regulation and stress management in autistic adults.
Autistic people often experience heightened or dysregulated nervous systems, especially in overwhelming environments. This can lead to chronic stress, shutdowns, meltdowns and sensory overwhelm. Addressing nervous system dysregulation can significantly improve quality of life, physical health, emotion regulation, sensory processing and mental health.
Mind-body practices are effective tools for nervous system regulation, helping shift the body out of the fight, flight or freeze response to a state of safety and calm (rest-and-digest). It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapeutic techniques.
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