Communication Resources for Autistic Adults

Communication is something that many autistic people struggle with. The neurotypical world has a very narrow understanding of what clear, authentic communication looks and sounds like. There’s no question that autistic people have rich internal lives with stories worth sharing. To recognize the unique ways they may communicate, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite communication resources for autistic adults.

Our 5 Favorite Communication Resources for Autistic Adults

Whether you struggle with communication or are looking for deeper social insights, here are some blogs, books, videos, and more that can help you learn more.

1. Uniquely Hari

Hari Srinivasan is a non-speaking autistic man who has a lot to say about living with disabilities. His blog covers a wide range of topics, from communication and neuroscience to disability rights and advocacy. He has been published in impactful national outlets such as Psychology Today and Time.

There is a common misconception that non-speaking autistic people are less intelligent or less aware than speaking people. Hari’s blog addresses biases, disproving some of these harmful ideas and serving as an example that non-speaking people can have rich, socially fulfilling lives when given the opportunity to communicate in the ways that suit them.

Hari’s blog is a wonderful place for autistic adults to find information, inspiration, and extensive storytelling about the experience of living as a non-speaking or minimal-speaking person.

2. Social Stories and Comic Strip Conversations

Social Stories is a tool designed by author Carol Gray to help autistic people build social skills and better understand social interactions. While the method was originally intended for children, it can be effective for adults as well.

The idea is to use stories, drawings, and symbols to improve awareness and understanding in different scenarios. This practice of using stories and scenarios to improve communication is a very versatile tool, easily adjusted to help meet an individual’s goals. It can be used to practice conversations, identify social cues, and express feelings in a useful way.

3. The Thought Spot: How Do I Know I’m Masking?

This video introduces a workbook for neurodivergent people filled with reflective questions to help uncover some of the ways they mask—even when they may not even be aware they are doing it.

For autistic adults, masking is sometimes referred to as “social camouflaging” because it includes behaviors meant to hide behaviors or quirks that might make an autistic person stand out. While masking can help autistic individuals fit in, the conscious or unconscious effort of frequent masking can have negative effects on autistic people and lead to burnout.

Understanding when and how you mask can help you be more true to yourself, aware of how you might be suppressing certain behaviors, and communicate more effectively with those around you. Masks are not always a bad thing, but it’s important to know how they fit into your life.

The Thought Spot YouTube channel is also a great place to find videos that discuss the experiences of neurodivergent women. The creator runs a small business selling neurodivergent-friendly workbooks for people across the neurodiverse spectrum.

4. National Autistic Society: What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

Even for autistic adults who can speak, communication may not always be easy. Because no two people are the same, the communicative support they need will vary. Having access to alternative tools can help them make their “voices” heard.

Plenty of neurotypical people also use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) tools, such as sign language and speech-generating devices (SGD).

For anyone who might find speaking in social situations uncomfortable, inaccessible, or overwhelming, ACC devices provide various ways to interact with those around you through sound, images, gestures, and written words.

5. California’s Self-Determination Program

California residents who qualify can use the Self-Determination Program (SDP) to pay for communication resources and tools.

Autistic adults can access services and information through SDP regional centers located in communities throughout the state. The program makes it easier to use an individual budget to pay for select services to help them meet their goals.

SDP funds can be used to pay for assistive technologies, interpreter services, appointments with specialists, speech therapy, and more. Communication is an important part of self-advocacy and independence. Building meaningful relationships, getting and keeping a job, and pursuing education all depend on someone being able to interact effectively with others and make themselves heard.

Find Even More Communication Resources for Autistic Adults

NeuroNav is here to provide accurate, helpful information for adults and families of adults with disabilities. Navigating the world with autism can be hard, but there are tools and support systems that can help you make your feelings, needs, and experiences heard.

If you want to learn more, here are some of our favorite NeuroNav resources that discuss communication and handling social situations:

If you are enrolled in California’s Self-Determination Program, or if you’re interested in getting started, we can help! An independent facilitator can be your ally in advocating for your needs and accessing communication services and tools. Take advantage of a free consultation to learn more.