.webp)
Prosper Health's Autism Resource Center
Featured Article
Neurodivergent vs. Autism: Understanding the Relationship and When to Seek Evaluation
“Neurodivergent” and “autistic” often get swapped for one another, in social captions, casual conversations, and sometimes even in settings where you might think people would know better.
Using the terms loosely isn't always a big deal. But it can matter more when you’re trying to figure out what these terms mean for you, especially if you’re wondering whether you might be autistic.
This is because the two terms really aren’t interchangeable, even though the mix-up can be common. Here’s how “neurodivergent” and “autism” relate, why the confusion happens in the first place, and what a next step might look like if you're seeking diagnosis.
Does Autism Qualify for Disability Benefits? A Practical Guide for Autistic Adults
If you've recently done an online search for the term “autism disability benefits”, you probably walked away with more questions than answers. Unfortunately, this happens because the search phrase “autism disability benefits” covers a very broad spectrum, and the resources your results pulled up may not even apply to your personal situation.
For example, one of the first results that usually comes up using this search term (as well as “Do you get disability for autism?”) is the Social Security Administration’s page for benefits for children with disabilities.
But if you made it to this page, you’re actually on the right path: “Autism disability benefits” almost always means Social Security. Yes, other types of government assistance exist, and we will cover those options, but let’s examine your potential Social Security benefits first.
After reading this article, you will understand how, as an autistic person, you may qualify for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). We’ll also explore which pathway most likely fits your situation, what strengthens an application, what to expect if you are denied, and whether you can keep working while receiving support.
Autistic Burnout vs. Depression: How to Tell the Difference and When to Get Assessed
Profound exhaustion is impossible to ignore, even when you can’t even muster up the energy to take care of yourself. What’s even scarier is that sometimes, it’s equally impossible to figure out the root of this fatigue, because it’s a common symptom of both depression and autistic burnout.
If you’re currently navigating the confusing world of autistic burnout vs. depression — whether you just learned the term “autistic burnout” or are in the midst of self-reflection — you’re in the right place. Especially considering both conditions can co-occur.
After reading this article, you will have more clarity between autistic burnout and depression, know what to do if you think you have both conditions, and understand what a professional assessment involves.
Social Cues and Autism: Why the "Missed Signals" Narrative Gets It Wrong
Consider this: a coworker asks you to complete a task, “whenever you get the chance,” and you take it at face value. Two days later, you find out the request was urgent, and your coworker assumed their tone made that obvious. Or another example: you're mid-conversation with a friend, and something in their face shifts. You notice it, and you're also tracking their tone, their words, and your own response, all at once. By the time it's processed, the moment to say something has passed.
If either scene felt familiar, you’ve probably been told that you missed something obvious. Maybe you’ve been called hard to read, rude, oblivious, cold, or “bad at people.” But inside, you know that’s not really what happened.
These messages put the entire problem on one person in a conversation between two people. This article looks at autism and social cues, including why social cues can be harder to read for some autistic adults, why misunderstanding is often mutual, and what can help in situations where it matters most.
All Posts
Search results for Title
Search results for Text
Transforming Your Space: Creating an Autism Sensory-Friendly Home
Most adults with autism spectrum disorder experience challenges with sensory processing. This can manifest as hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity. If an autistic individual experiences hypersensitivity, it means that they’re easily overwhelmed by sensory input. For example, music playing over grocery store speakers could sound so loud that it’s physically painful for a hypersensitive autistic individual. Conversely, a hyposensitive autistic individual may have little reaction to stimuli. For instance, they may not even notice that the same music is playing.
When an autistic adult is out in public, they have very little control over sensory input. Sure, they can use things like sunglasses or noise-cancelling headphones to help prevent sensory overload, but the amount of sensory input can still be overwhelming.
Home, however, should be a refuge away from the chaos of the outside world, without the looming threat of sensory overload or overstimulation. Therefore, having an autism sensory-friendly home is important.
Luckily, you don’t have to buy a whole new home to accommodate your sensory needs. With just a few modifications, your home can become the sensory-friendly oasis of your dreams.
Understanding Autism and Seizures: A Guide for Autistic Adults
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and seizures are two conditions that often overlap. Current research estimates that 26% of autistic individuals over the age of 13 also have epilepsy, compared to 1% of the non-autistic population. Understanding this link is crucial for improved diagnosis, care and quality of life.
While we know that there is a link between autism and seizures, particularly epileptic seizures, the reason for the link is still unclear. Since studies show that the siblings of autistic individuals are also more likely to have epilepsy, it’s hypothesized that epilepsy and ASD may share some of the same genetic markers. Further, up to 80% of autistic individuals, when given an EEG (a test that measures electrical activity in the brain), had abnormal results, even if they’d had no observable seizures. This means that both epilepsy and autism can cause abnormal electrical activity in the brain.
That said, while autistic people are more likely than neurotypical people to have epilepsy, and people with epilepsy are more likely to be autistic than someone without epilepsy, there is no research to suggest that one condition causes the other.
Recognizing and addressing seizures in autistic individuals can have a major impact on daily functioning, development and well-being. Awareness empowers families and professionals to seek appropriate interventions and advocate for supportive care strategies tailored to each person's needs. If you think you may have had a seizure, seek emergency medical care immediately and speak with your medical doctor, or physician about your concerns. The information provided below regarding seizures has not been reviewed for accuracy by a physician or medical provider and is not intended to serve as medical advice.
Emotional Resilience in Autism: Strategies for Autistic Adults
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Autistic individuals often demonstrate emotional resilience in a myriad of ways that challenge conventional definitions. These include:
- 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
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.
Mastering Executive Functioning in Autism: Strategies for Success
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.
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.
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.
Mastering Autism Job Interviews: Strategies for Success
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.
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.
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.
Mindful Journaling: Enhancing Personal Growth and Emotional Regulation in Autism
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.
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.
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.
We couldn’t find what you’re looking for. Try again with more general keywords, or check out our top reads.
