Neuroaffirmative Resources
For Neurodivergent and Their Support Networks
About This Collection
This resource collection represents pathways to understanding, support, and authentic living for neurodivergent individuals and their communities. Every resource has been carefully selected to provide practical guidance, foster self-advocacy, and celebrate the inherent value of neurodiversity. These tools support you in building a life that honors your authentic self while accessing the community and services you deserve.
DISCLOSING AUTISTIC IDENTITY
Disclosure is a personal choice with real-world implications. These resources help you make informed decisions about when, how, and to whom you share your autism diagnosis, whether in employment, education, healthcare, or personal relationships.
Self-Advocacy and Disclosure - AANE
Website: https://www.aane.org/
Practical scripts and strategies for disclosure conversations. Self-advocacy is a learnable skill that improves with practice and proper support.
Reframing Autism
Website: https://reframingautism.org.au/
Australian organization promoting strengths-based understanding of autism. Their resources help you present your autism identity positively and educate others about autistic capabilities.
Autistic Burnout and Recovery
Website: https://neuroclastic.com/
Understanding burnout helps explain why accommodations matter and can strengthen your case for workplace or academic support when disclosing.
The Art of Autism
Website:https://the-art-of-autism.com/
Creative platform showcasing autistic talents and perspectives. Seeing successful autistic individuals across various fields builds confidence for your own disclosure decisions.
PEER CONNECTIONS & SUPPORT
Peer support provides understanding, reduces isolation, and creates opportunities for mutual aid and advocacy. These groups center autistic voices and experiences.
7 Cups
Website: https://www.7cups.com/
Free emotional support and counseling, including trained listeners who understand neurodivergent experiences.
NAMI Support Groups
Website: https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Support-Groups
Mental health support groups with some specifically designed for individuals with developmental disabilities.
IDENTITY AND COMMUNITY
Community connection and identity affirmation are fundamental to wellbeing. These resources celebrate the diversity within the autistic community and provide spaces for connection, support, and advocacy.
Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network (AWN)
Website: https://awnnetwork.org/
Provides community, resources, and advocacy for autistic women and nonbinary individuals. Addresses experiences often overlooked in male-centered autism research and services.
Autistic Adults of Color
Website: https://www.autisticpeopleofcolor.com/
Community space addressing the intersection of autism and racial identity. Provides resources and support for navigating racism and ableism simultaneously.
AANE (Asperger/Autism Network)
Website: https://www.aane.org/
Established network providing support groups, social events, and resources for autistic adults and their families across New England and online.
Neuroqueer
Website: https://neuroqueer.com/
Explores the intersection of neurodiversity and queer identity. Many autistic individuals are also LGBTQ+, and this resource addresses the unique joys and challenges of these intersecting identities.
Trans Autistic Resources
Website: https://www.transautisticresources.com/
Specific support for individuals navigating both transgender and autistic identities, including healthcare advocacy and community connection.
SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS
Autistic people deserve fulfilling relationships and comprehensive sexual health information. These resources address relationship skills, sexuality, and intimacy from a neurodiversity-affirming perspective that honors autistic communication styles and sensory needs.
Building Healthy Relationships
Nurturing Healthy Relationships
Website: https://neuroclastic.com/nurturing-healthy-autistic-relationships/
Communication strategies that work with autistic cognitive styles. Covers everything from friendship development to romantic relationships, recognizing that social scripts aren't one-size-fits-all.
Dating and Autism: Tips for Success
Website: https://neuronav.org/self-determination-blog/safe-dating-on-the-spectrum
Practical dating advice that honors direct communication, sensory preferences, and the need for predictability. Dating success means finding partners who appreciate your authentic self.
Adult Autism and Relationships
Website: https://www.helpguide.org/mental-health/autism/adult-autism-and-relationships
Comprehensive resource covering relationship challenges and strengths. Addresses common issues like sensory differences, communication styles, and emotional regulation within relationships.
Sexuality and Intimacy
Autism and Sexual Diversity
Website: https://neurodivergentinsights.com/autism-and-sexual-diversity/
Celebrates the full spectrum of sexuality within the autistic community. Research shows autistic individuals have diverse sexual orientations and gender identities at higher rates than the general population.
RADAR - Multiamory
Website: https://www.multiamory.com/radar
Relationship assessment tool focusing on consent, communication, and emotional well-being. Particularly useful for autistic individuals who benefit from clear frameworks and explicit communication.
AUTISTIC PARENTS
Parenting while autistic brings unique strengths like attention to detail, consistent routines, and deep empathy. These resources support autistic parents and address both challenges and capabilities.
Autistic Parent Support
Website: https://heller.brandeis.edu/parents-with-disabilities/
Research-based information about autistic parents, countering stereotypes and providing practical support strategies.
Strengths of Autistic Mothers
Website: https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/
Highlighting the unique strengths autistic mothers bring to parenting, including predictability, attention to children's needs, and systematic approaches to child-rearing.
Navigating Autistic Burnout as a Parent
Website: https://autismspectrumnews.org/
Self-care strategies and burnout prevention for autistic parents, recognizing that parenting demands can intensify autistic challenges.
Neurotypical Children of Autistic Parents
Website: https://neuroclastic.com/
Resources for mixed-neurotype families, addressing the unique dynamics when neurotypical children have autistic parents.
Autistic Parent Network
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/autisticparents/
Online community providing peer support, resource sharing, and advocacy for autistic parents' rights and capabilities.
Pregnancy and Autism
Website:https://awnnetwork.org/pregnancy-guide/
Comprehensive guide addressing pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenting from an autistic perspective, including sensory considerations and accommodation strategies.
CO-OCCURING CONDITIONS & DEFINITIONS
Autism with ADHD (AuDHD)
Many individuals have both autism and ADHD, creating unique strengths and challenges. These resources address the intersection of both neurotypes and provide specific support strategies.
ADHD and Adult Autism
Website: https://www.thrivingwellnesscenter.com/blog/autismsupportforwomen-rtrt9-b4rlp-5j5cn
Explores how autism and ADHD interact, including areas of overlap and contradiction in traits and needs.
Medication Considerations for AuDHD
Website: https://www.additudemag.com/audhd-medication-side-effects/
How ADHD medications may affect autism traits, including potential benefits and concerns about masking or sensory changes.
AuDHD in Women and Girls
Website: https://www.sanctumhealthcare.co.uk/female-adhd-and-autism-assessments/
Gender-specific presentation of combined autism and ADHD, addressing diagnostic challenges and support needs.
AuDHD Support Groups
Website: https://www.facebook.com/groups/AuDHDSupport/
Online communities specifically for individuals with both autism and ADHD, providing peer support and strategy sharing.
Executive Function Support for AuDHD
Website: https://www.understood.org/
Practical strategies for managing executive function challenges that work with both autistic and ADHD traits.
Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
PDA is an autism profile characterized by high anxiety around demands and need for autonomy. Understanding PDA helps develop appropriate support strategies that work with, rather than against, this neurotype.
PDA North America
Website: https://pdanorthamerica.org/
Comprehensive resources about PDA including free downloadable guides explaining this autism profile and effective support approaches.
PDA Society
Website: https://www.pdasociety.org.uk/
UK-based organization providing research, resources, and advocacy for PDA understanding and support.
Collaborative & Proactive Solutions
Website: https://www.livesinthebalance.org/
Approach to supporting individuals with explosive behavior and demand avoidance that emphasizes collaboration rather than control.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD and autism frequently co-occur, but distinguishing between repetitive behaviors and genuine OCD is important for appropriate support. These resources help understand the intersection.
OCD vs. Autism Repetitive Behaviors
Website: https://iocdf.org/
International OCD Foundation resources explaining differences between autism stimming/routines and OCD compulsions.
NOCD
Website: https://www.treatmyocd.com/
Evidence-based OCD treatment platform with providers trained in autism-informed care.
OCD and Autism Spectrum
Website: https://www.ocfoundation.org/
Specialized resources addressing the intersection of OCD and autism, including adapted treatment approaches.
Eating Disorders
Autistic individuals have higher rates of eating disorders, often related to sensory sensitivities, routine disruption, or alexithymia (difficulty identifying emotions/hunger cues).
Alliance for Eating Disorders
Website: https://www.allianceforeatingdisorders.com/
Comprehensive eating disorder support including resources addressing autism-specific factors in eating disorders.
ANAD (National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders)
Website: https://anad.org/
Free support groups and resources, including specialized support for neurodivergent individuals.
Eating Disorders Anonymous
Website: https://eatingdisordersanonymous.org/
12-step recovery program adapted for various eating disorder presentations.
ARFID (Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder) Resources
Website: https://www.arfidawarenessuk.org/
Specific support for ARFID, which commonly occurs in autistic individuals due to sensory sensitivities and texture aversions.
Autism and Eating Disorders
Website:https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
UK charity providing eating disorder support with autism-specific resources and treatment approaches.
U.S. DISABILITY RESOURCES
Understanding disability as a civil rights issue empowers you to access services, advocate for accommodations, and connect with the broader disability community. These resources help navigate systems and understand your rights.
Centers for Independent Living
Website: https://www.ilru.org/
Consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy. CILs are run by disabled people for disabled people, focusing on independence and community integration.
National Disability Rights Network
Website: https://www.ndrn.org/
Federal advocacy organization protecting and advancing the rights of individuals with disabilities. Provides legal advocacy and policy information.
Disability Justice Collective
Website: https://disabilityjusticecollective.com/
Frameworks for understanding disability through a social justice lens, connecting disability rights to broader movements for equity and inclusion.
ADAPT Website:
https://adapt.org/
Grassroots disability rights organization fighting for community integration and civil rights. Demonstrates the power of disabled people advocating for themselves.
CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC RESOURCES
California Department of Developmental Services (DDS)
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/
The state agency providing services and supports to individuals with developmental disabilities through 21 regional centers statewide. DDS offers person-centered services designed to meet unique needs and reflect individual choices within communities, serving over 420,000 Californians.
DDS Autism Resource Hub
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/autism/
Comprehensive information and tools for autistic individuals, families, caregivers, and professionals with links to agencies for accessing services. Features resources from UC institutions, Stanford Medicine's Neurodiversity Project, and connections to employment, housing, and healthcare support networks.
Regional Centers Statewide Network
Website: https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/
21 community-based, non-profit agencies providing assessments, eligibility determination, case management, and coordination of services. Each regional center develops Individual Program Plans and coordinates services for people with developmental disabilities in their local communities.
HEALTHCARE
Healthcare access requires providers who understand autism and accommodate different communication styles, sensory needs, and processing differences. These resources help you find competent care and advocate for your health needs.
AASPIRE Healthcare Toolkit
Website: https://autismandhealth.org/
Evidence-based tools developed by autistic researchers to improve healthcare experiences. Includes preparation materials for appointments and provider education resources.
Autism Competent Healthcare
Website: https://www.adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/resources/finding-autism-competent-health-care/ Standards for healthcare providers serving autistic patients. Understanding what competent care looks like helps you evaluate providers and advocate for better treatment.
Adult Autism Health Care Toolkit
Website: https://www.adult-autism.health.harvard.edu/aahr-healthcare-toolkit/
Practical resources for navigating healthcare appointments, insurance, and medical advocacy. Includes communication templates and preparation strategies.
Allied Healthcare Resources
Autistic Women's Health
Website: https://awnnetwork.org/resources/
Addresses healthcare issues specific to autistic women, including reproductive health, hormonal changes, and gender-specific medical concerns often overlooked in autism research.
LGBTQ+ Autistic Health
Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
Intersection of autism and LGBTQ+ identity in healthcare settings. Addresses unique challenges and helps you find affirming providers who understand both identities.
Sensory-Friendly Medical Care
Website:https://www.autism-society.org/
Strategies for managing sensory challenges in medical environments, including requesting accommodations for lighting, sound, and wait times.
Neurodivergent Love
Website: https://neurodivergentlove.com/
Dating and relationship coaching specifically for neurodivergent individuals. Recognizes that traditional dating advice often doesn't work for autistic communication styles.
The Autism-Friendly Guide to Periods
Website: https://jkp.com/
Practical resource addressing menstruation and reproductive health for autistic individuals, including sensory considerations and communication strategies with healthcare providers.
Uncomfortable Labels
Website:https://laurakehillier.wordpress.com/
Blog exploring autism, sexuality, and identity intersections. Addresses topics often ignored in mainstream autism resources, including sexual health and relationship diversity.
CALIFORNIA SPECIFIC HEALTHCARE
California Medi-Cal Autism Spectrum Disorder Benefit
Website: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/Pages/BehavioralHealthTreatment.aspx
Behavioral Health Treatment (BHT) coverage for individuals under 21 with autism spectrum disorder, including applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy when medically necessary, provided through California's Medicaid program managed by DHCS. Coverage includes speech, occupational and physical therapy, psychiatry, psychology, and counseling services with eligibility requiring diagnostic assessment and physician prescription.
UC Davis MIND Institute ACCESS Program
Website: https://health.ucdavis.edu/mind-institute/clinic/social-skills/access
Comprehensive 20-session group program for neurodiverse adults focusing on life coping skills, planning abilities, and social skills development. Includes social partners and offers hybrid format with need-based scholarships available.
UCLA Child and Adult Neurodevelopmental Clinic
Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/medical-services/psychiatry/child-and-adolescent/ucla-child-and-adult-neurodevelopmental-clinic
Comprehensive diagnostic evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults with neurodevelopmental conditions and autism spectrum disorder. Provides both assessments and treatments with specialized clinical expertise.
UCSF Center for ASD and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Website: https://autism.ucsf.edu/support-advocacy-services
Support and advocacy services connecting individuals to community resources including The Arc San Francisco, which provides life skills, employment, and residential support to adults with developmental disabilities across San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin counties.
CalABLE Savings Program
Website: Referenced through DDS Autism Resource Hub at https://www.dds.ca.gov/initiatives/autism/
Tax-advantaged savings plan for Californians to save for disability-related expenses without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits. Designed to help individuals with disabilities maintain independence and improve quality of life through dedicated savings.
CRISIS SUPPORT & SUICIDE PREVENTION
Crisis support must understand autism-specific factors like communication differences, sensory overwhelm, and higher suicide risk. These resources provide accessible, autism-informed crisis intervention.
Autism Crisis Support Resources
Website: https://www.autismcrisissupport.com/
Crisis intervention specifically designed for autistic individuals, understanding that traditional crisis response may not be effective or appropriate.
Suicide Prevention for Autistic Individuals
Website: https://autisticadvocacy.org/
Evidence-based information about suicide risk factors specific to autistic individuals and prevention strategies that work.
Alternative Crisis Lines (Police-Free)
Traditional crisis lines often involve police response, which can be dangerous for autistic individuals. These alternatives prioritize community care:
Call Blackline: 800-604-5841 - Crisis support prioritizing community care over policing
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860 (US), 877-330-6366 (Canada) - Trans-led crisis support without police involvement
LGBT National Help Center: 888-843-4564 - LGBTQ+ affirming crisis support
StrongHearts Native Helpline: 844-762-8483 - Culturally appropriate support for Indigenous communities
Wildflower Alliance Peer Support Line: 888-407-4515 - Peer support without police involvement
Thrive Lifeline: 313-662-8209 - Community-focused crisis support
Autistic individuals experience trauma at higher rates due to discrimination, bullying, masking demands, and healthcare mistreatment. These resources provide trauma-informed support that understands the intersection of autism and trauma.
PTSD & Autistic People
Website: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/ptsd-autism
Explores how trauma presents differently in autistic individuals and why traditional trauma treatments may need modification for autistic clients.
Trauma-Informed Care for Autistic Individuals
Website: https://www.milestones.org/map/browse-articles/navigating-autism-and-trauma
Framework for therapeutic approaches that accommodate autistic communication styles, sensory needs, and information processing differences.
Autistic Burnout vs. Depression
Website: https://neuroclastic.com/
Understanding the difference between autistic burnout and clinical depression helps you seek appropriate support and avoid misdiagnosis.
Therapy and Mental Health
Therapist Neurodiversity Collective
Website: https://therapistndc.org/
Directory of mental health professionals committed to neurodiversity-affirming practice and continuing education about autistic experiences.
Psychology Today Neurodiversity Filter
Website: https://www.psychologytoday.com/
Therapy directory with filters for providers who specifically work with autistic adults and use neurodiversity-affirming approaches.
ASAN Autistic-Led Therapy Directory
Website: https://autisticadvocacy.org/
List of therapists who are autistic themselves or have extensive training in autism-affirming approaches.
Autism-Informed Medical Providers
Website: https://autismandhealth.org/
Healthcare provider directory focusing on medical professionals trained in autism competence and communication.
EMPLOYMENT & ACCOMMODATION
Employment represents more than income - it's about contributing your unique strengths while accessing accommodations that allow you to thrive. These resources help you navigate workplace rights, disclosure decisions, and find employers who value neurodiversity.
Understanding Your Rights
Ask Jan
Website: https://askjan.org/
The Job Accommodation Network provides free, confidential guidance on workplace accommodations and disability employment issues. Their consultants understand autism-specific accommodation needs and can help you articulate requests effectively.
Enforcement Guidance on Reasonable Accommodation and Undue Hardship under the ADA
Website: https://www.eeoc.gov/laws/guidance/enforcement-guidance-reasonable-accommodation-and-undue-hardship-under-ada
Understanding your legal rights empowers effective self-advocacy. This guidance explains what employers must provide and helps you understand when accommodation requests are legally required.
Workplace Success Strategies
Neurodiversity @ Work Employer Roundtable
Website: https://disabilityin.org/what-we-do/committees/neurodiversity-at-work-roundtable/
Examples of companies successfully implementing neurodiversity programs demonstrate that inclusive employment benefits everyone. These cases provide hope and practical models for workplace change.
Workplace Accommodation Tips
Website: https://embrace-autism.com/workplace-accommodations-for-autism-and-audhd/
Specific strategies for requesting accommodations like schedule flexibility, sensory modifications, and communication preferences. Accommodations aren't special treatment - they're adjustments that allow you to perform at your best.
Additional Employment Resources
Autism @ Work
Website: https://www.autismatwork.org/
Growing movement of companies actively recruiting autistic talent. Programs at Microsoft, SAP, and other major employers demonstrate that autistic employees bring valuable perspectives and skills.
Specialisterne
Website: https://specialisterne.com/
Global social enterprise providing meaningful employment for people on the autism spectrum. Focuses on technology and data analysis roles where attention to detail and systematic thinking are valued.
DiversityJobs
Website:https://www.diversityjobs.com/
Employment platform connecting job seekers from underrepresented groups, including disabled individuals, with inclusive employers committed to diversity and accommodation.
COLLEGE AND EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES
Higher education success depends on self-advocacy, appropriate accommodations, and supportive communities. These resources help you navigate academic environments and access the support you need to thrive.
Academic Support Services
College Mental Health Resources
Website: http://togetherall.com/
Mental health platform specifically designed for college students, providing 24/7 peer support and professional resources.
Disability Services Office Resources
Website: https://www.ahead.org/
Association on Higher Education and Disability provides standards and resources for disability services offices, helping you understand what accommodations you can request.
Tips for College Students
Website:https://researchautism.org/oaracle-newsletter/college-resources/
Practical guidance for academic success, social navigation, and self-advocacy in college environments.
Transition Planning
Organization for Autism Research - College Resources
Website: https://researchautism.org/
Evidence-based resources for college preparation and success, including scholarship information and transition planning guides.
Autism Research Institute - Education
Website: https://www.autism.org/
Educational resources and research to support informed decision-making about college and career planning.
Additional Educational Resources
College Autism Network
Website: https://www.collegeautismnetwork.org/
Peer support network for autistic college students, providing mentorship, resources, and community connection.
DO-IT (Disabilities, Opportunities, Internetworking, and Technology)
Website: https://www.washington.edu/doit/
University of Washington program promoting success of individuals with disabilities in STEM fields and other academic areas.
Autistic Students' Association
Website: https://autisticselfadvocacy.com/
Student-led organizations on college campuses providing peer support and advocacy for accommodation needs.
COMMUNITY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Financial barriers shouldn't prevent access to autism resources and community support. These organizations provide direct assistance and funding opportunities.
The Autistic People of Color Fund
Website: https://www.autisticpeopleofcolor.com/
Provides direct financial assistance to autistic people of color for basic needs, mental health support, and community building.
Autism Society Financial Resources
Website: https://www.autism-society.org/
Directory of grants, scholarships, and financial assistance programs for autistic individuals and families.
Organization for Autism Research Scholarships
Website:https://researchautism.org/apply-for-grant/scholarships/
Academic scholarships specifically for autistic students pursuing higher education.