Helpful & Free Resources for Autistic Adults

At HeyASD, we know how important it is to find support that’s not only useful but also accessible. This guide brings together free and low-cost autism resources to help autistic adults navigate life with more confidence — from employment and daily routines to advocacy, reading, and mental wellness.

While many of these tools are completely free, some may include optional upgrades or require access through a library or organization. We've noted where possible so you can make informed choices.

Educational & Advocacy Resources

These nonprofit organizations and online platforms offer accessible, research-backed resources to help autistic adults understand themselves, advocate for their needs, and connect with the wider community.

  • Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN): Free toolkits, policy guides, and plain-language self-advocacy resources created by and for autistic people.
  • Autism Society of America: Offers free information on adult diagnosis, sensory-friendly events, and local support chapters across the U.S.
  • Autism Research Institute (ARI): Free webinars, research summaries, and training tools for autistic adults and professionals.
  • Asperger/Autism Network (AANE): Free articles and downloadable guides on late-diagnosis, relationships, and identity, with some paid coaching options.
  • The Arc: Advocacy and local disability support networks, with many free legal and educational resources.
  • Global Autism Project: Free virtual trainings and a global focus on culturally competent autism education.
  • NeuroClastic: First-person essays, community stories, and explainer guides — all freely accessible online.

Free & Funded Employment Resources

These programs support neurodivergent adults with job training, workplace accommodations, and self-advocacy — often at no cost through government or nonprofit funding.

Helpful Books & Free Reading Resources

Most of these books are available at no cost through public libraries, the Libby app, or audiobook platforms. For those purchasing, we suggest checking secondhand sellers or nonprofit bookshops. We've also explored many of these themes in our autism identity blog series.

  • Different… Not Less by Temple Grandin – Real success stories of autistic adults across multiple industries.
  • The Autism Job Club by Michael Bernick – A practical guide to entering and succeeding in the workforce.
  • Asperger’s on the Job by Rudy Simone – Focused on disclosure, communication, and workplace survival skills.
  • Developing Talents by Temple Grandin & Kate Duffy – Encourages career alignment based on autistic strengths.
  • Unwritten Rules of Social Relationships – Explores subtle workplace and social cues through an autistic lens.
  • Neurodiversity at Work by Pierre Marsh – Written for employers, but helpful for understanding how to advocate for inclusive practices.
  • The Aspie Girl’s Guide to Being Safe with Men by Debi Brown – Focused on relationship safety, boundaries, and self-trust.

Low-Cost & Free Mobile Apps for Autism Support

These apps support communication, anxiety, sensory needs, and executive functioning. Most offer free versions or trial features — we recommend testing before committing to any in-app purchases. You can also explore app tips and coping ideas in our Sensory Regulation blog posts.

  • Proloquo2Go: AAC app with trial options for non-speaking or selectively speaking users.
  • MindShift: Free app using CBT tools and journaling prompts to manage anxiety.
  • Autism Tracker: Tracks moods, sensory input, routines, and health data. Basic version is free.
  • Social Stories Creator: Offers free tools to build personalized social scripts for daily interactions.
  • Time Timer: A free visual timer that supports transitions and task management.
  • Choiceworks: Visual schedule app with trial access and optional upgrade features.
  • Sensory Speak Up: Helps communicate sensory needs through ratings and visuals. Basic features are free.
  • My Video Schedule: Video-based routines app with limited free functionality and upgrade options.

Suggest a Free Autism Resource

We’re always looking to add meaningful, accessible resources to this list. If you know of a free or low-cost tool that has helped you or your community, please contact us here.

FAQs

Are all the autism resources listed here free?

Most are free, especially nonprofit tools and government-funded programs. Some include optional upgrades or require access via libraries. We've highlighted any cost considerations where relevant.

Where can I find trustworthy autism resources for adults?

Great starting points include ASAN, AANE, and JAN. You can also explore our own autism blog for articles written from lived experience.

Can I access these books without buying them?

Yes. Most are available free through your local library or via free library apps like Libby or OverDrive.

Do the autism support apps work without payment?

Many apps listed offer strong free versions with optional upgrades. We recommend testing first to see what features you need most.

What if I want to explore more on a specific topic?

Check out our tagged blog topics like autistic relationships, self-advocacy, or employment — written with autistic adults in mind.

Keep Exploring the HeyASD Blog

This list is just the beginning. Visit the HeyASD Blog for more guides on autism identity, sensory strategies, coping tools, and community reflections — all created with lived experience at the heart.