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About
Helena Keown (huh-LEE-nuh KOW-en) is a neurodivergent writer. She first came to Prosper Health to find a therapist, and is thrilled to write for Prosper and support their mission of building better resources for autistic adults. When she is not writing, she enjoys running, tying herself into elaborate shapes on aerial silks, and sewing garments from vintage patterns.
Experience
Helena has written about a wide range of topics, from the intersection of culture and technological development for NotePage, to queer media for the GLAAD blog. She has also worked as a development editor for the New York University Expository Writing Program's journal, Mercer Street. She currently daylights as a project manager in the public sector, and is a freelance writer and editor.
Education
B.A. in Language and Mind, New York University (2018)
BPD vs Autism: Understanding the Differences and Similarities
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) differ primarily in their classification—autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and BPD is a personality disorder. They also diverge in several traits, though they share a number of surface similarities such as different ways of relating to other people. Both diagnoses are commonly misunderstood, making it important to distinguish between them to ensure autistic individuals and people with BPD receive meaningfully tailored support. Autism and BPD seem to co-occur at somewhat higher rates than other groups—although more research is required to determine how commonly they overlap—and individuals with either diagnosis can also benefit greatly from understanding the traits of each diagnosis.
Pathological Demand Avoidance: Understanding PDA and its Relationship to Autism
Do you feel frozen whenever you feel like you should be doing something? Do the demands of day-to-day tasks make you feel like the walls are closing in? If demands cause you severe anxiety that gets in the way of completing daily activities, you might be experiencing demand avoidance. Pathological demand avoidance (PDA) is most commonly connected to autism, contributing to the great diversity of the autism spectrum. However, allistic (non-autistic) individuals can also align with a PDA profile. PDA can have significant impacts on a person’s life, but broader social awareness of PDA is still limited. Many support strategies, including neurodiversity-affirming therapy, can help PDA individuals manage demands and move through life with less anxiety.
Navigating Meltdowns: Effective Strategies to Support Autistic Adults
Meltdowns are an extremely overwhelming experience for autistic people. In the throes of total overload, it can be difficult to identify and meet one’s own needs. While preventing and managing meltdowns is a skill many autistic adults can and do have, knowing how to help an autistic loved one during a meltdown can be an important way to show support.
