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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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Autism and Depression
Depression is one of the most common diagnoses to co-occur with autism spectrum disorder. As many as 40% of autistic individuals will have depression at some point during their lives. Researchers don’t have a definitive answer as to why––but many believe social stigma, mistreatment and insufficient support have to do with it.
Understanding the link between autism and depression can go a long way toward helping autistic individuals manage, or even move past, depression.
Mindfulness Practices for Autistic Adults: Enhancing Daily Life and Emotional Health
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and engaged with your thoughts, emotions and surroundings without judgment. For adults with autism spectrum disorder, mindfulness is a valuable tool for managing sensory overload, emotional regulation and stress. While mindfulness is often associated with a meditation practice, it doesn’t have to mean sitting in silence. The beauty of mindfulness is that it can be adapted to fit personal needs.
Autistic individuals often experience heightened sensory processing and deep focus on special interests, which can make mindfulness particularly beneficial but also challenging. Traditional mindfulness training that emphasizes bodily awareness or emotional exploration may not always be accessible due to alexithymia or co-occurring conditions. When adapted to suit neurodivergent needs, though, mindfulness can provide a structured way to manage anxiety, process emotions and create moments of calm.
Rather than prioritizing detachment, autistic-friendly mindfulness embraces deep focus, structured repetition and sensory engagement. Whether through stimming, mindful movement or focusing on sensory experiences, mindfulness is a powerful tool for self-care.
The key is finding what works best for you. After all, practicing mindfulness isn’t about changing who you are—it’s about creating space to feel grounded and present in a way that supports your autistic experience.
The Best Places to Live with Autism
Finding the right city to live in is a lofty task for everyone, especially autistic individuals. When considering where to plant roots, Autistic adults may want to consider things like extensive public transportation, inclusive communities, sensory-friendly environments and robust support networks. They should also think about proximity to family and friends, as well as consider any potential difficulties in coping with change before making a big move.
Thanks to inclusivity, public transportation, and advocacy groups, here are our picks for the best places for adults with autism spectrum disorder to call home.
Can Autism Be Cured? Why Acceptance Matters More
Autism is a natural variation in human neurodevelopment. Those on the autism spectrum often have unique ways of thinking, learning and interacting with the world. Autistic peoples’ brains are essentially wired differently––and many people want to find the cause of these differences and remove them. In fact, most money going toward autism research is going toward researching the treatment and prevention of autism.
However, studying the causes of autism with the intention of curing it is a controversial topic. Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that cannot––and many argue, should not––be “cured.”
Understanding Adult Autism: Facts and Statistics You Need to Know
For much of the general public, the word “autism” conjures a specific picture: A gifted but odd young boy with behavioral issues and some kind of profound, savantish knowledge, like Raymond Babbit from Rain Man or Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory and Young Sheldon.
Although the diagnostic criteria for autism certainly include the precocious eccentric individuals that are often portrayed in popular media, autism is a wide and encompassing spectrum. Our understanding of its various manifestations is evolving all the time. As our understanding changes, so does how we diagnose and support autistic individuals.
PMDD and Autism: Understanding Their Intersection and Getting Support
No one loves getting their period––but for people with PMDD, periods can be debilitating. PMDD affects up to 10% of people who menstruate, and for autistic individuals, that rate is even higher. PMDD presents unique challenges for autistic people, but there are several options for treatment and support that can help them reduce and cope with PMDD symptoms.
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