Prosper Health's Autism Resource Center

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

Sensory overload is a common challenge for autistic adults. Bright lights and unexpected sounds may seem harmless to some, but to the autistic brain, they can trigger the same physiological responses that bodies enter when facing something dangerous.  This is why so many individuals on the autism spectrum find sensory-heavy environments so overwhelming. 

‍

A large proportion of autistic adults report experiencing sensory challenges, sometimes known as sensory processing disorder. This can include a heightened sensitivity (hypersensitivity) or reduced sensitivity (hyposensitivity) to sensory experiences. Sensory seeking refers to actively seeking out certain sensory experiences, such as craving deep pressure or being drawn to specific textures or sounds in order to regulate sensory input. On the other hand, for those with heightened sensitivity, everyday environments can quickly become overwhelming, and it can be all too easy to end up in a state of sensory overload.

‍

Overload happens when the nervous system is bombarded with too much information all at once. The body interprets this as a threat, activating a protective mechanism designed to restore balance and prevent further distress. Sensory overload can manifest in many ways—sudden fatigue, difficulty concentrating, anxiety or irritability. Sometimes, it can be mistaken for emotional distress or even a panic attack.

‍

Luckily, there are some helpful strategies for managing and preventing sensory overload. First and foremost, it’s important to remember that the goal is to accommodate sensory needs, not to ‘fix’ them.