Prosper Health's Autism Resource Center

While Prosper Health is a neurodiversity-affirming practice, diagnostic criteria and assessments often use deficit-focused language that isn’t neurodiversity-affirming. We chose to include some of this deficit-based language—which does not reflect how we would usually write about autism—in this article for the sake of accurately portraying diagnostic materials.

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is a structured, skills-based therapeutic approach originally developed to support individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Over time, it’s been adapted to help people manage anxiety, depression, emotional dysregulation and more. 

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DBT focuses on four key skill areas: emotional regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness and mindfulness. These tools offer practical strategies to manage emotions, reduce stress and foster healthier relationships.

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For autistic adults, DBT is especially helpful for managing sensory overload, intense emotions, difficulty with self-advocacy and challenges in social communication. One of DBT’s strengths is its use of practical step-by-step tools that break complex experiences into manageable parts.

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This article focuses on one of DBT’s core skills: DEAR MAN––a technique that supports assertive communication and self-advocacy. DEAR MAN can help autistic adults express their needs clearly, reduce anxiety in difficult conversations and build healthier personal and professional relationships.

Receiving an autism diagnosis as an adult is often the culmination of years of wondering and researching. For others, a diagnosis is just the beginning. 

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There’s an almost insurmountable amount of information to sort through for autistic adults, adults who suspect they’re autistic or loved ones of a newly diagnosed adult.

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You might have a lot of questions: What exactly is autism spectrum disorder? How do I support myself through this diagnosis? How can I best support my loved one? 

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No matter what answers you’re searching for, there are plenty of wonderful books about autism to help you on your journey to understand autism and everything that comes along with it.

April is Autism Acceptance Month––a time to shift focus from mere autism awareness to genuine acceptance and inclusion of autistic individuals. 

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In 2011, the Autism Self-Advocacy Network, in collaboration with the autistic community, began commemorating Autism Acceptance Month instead of Autism Awareness Month since Autism Awareness Month centered on traditional narratives that emphasized deficits and championed the eradication of autism. 

Autism Acceptance Month, however, offers a chance to embrace and celebrate the strengths and diversity of the autistic community. Autism acceptance advocates acknowledge autism as not just a diagnosis but an identity and a state of being. By prioritizing acceptance over awareness, we focus on the experiences of autistic individuals and allow for honest discussions of societal changes that may help alleviate some of the challenges faced by those individuals.

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Instead of calling for cures and eradication, we celebrate how embracing neurodiversity enriches our society, encourages supportive environments and empowers autistic individuals to thrive as their authentic selves. 

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. 

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Understanding the link between autism and depression can go a long way toward helping autistic individuals manage, or even move past, depression.

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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.