40 Autism Writing Prompts

The world looks pretty awesome (and sometimes overwhelming) from our autistic point of view, right?

We have got a ton of unique experiences and ways of seeing things that deserve a story.

These prompts are like a springboard to jump into those stories.

Whether you’re autistic yourself or just want to understand our world better, these writing prompts for autistic individuals will help you write something cool and build empathy for all kinds of brains.

So grab a pen, get comfy, and let’s explore!

Autism Writing Prompts

1. Imagine you are a person with autism who has heightened sensory sensitivities. One day, you find yourself in an extremely overwhelming environment – a crowded concert, a busy shopping mall, a bustling amusement park, etc. Write a detailed account of the experience. Focus on the specific sensory details that are triggering, how your body reacts, the emotions you feel, and the coping mechanisms you use to manage the situation.
   
   
2. Write a story or essay from the perspective of a newly diagnosed autistic adult. Describe their journey of understanding their past experiences, challenges, and unique strengths through the lens of their diagnosis. How does this new perspective change how they view themselves and their interactions with the world?
   
   
3. You’re an autistic person who has difficulty connecting with others. One day, you develop an unexpected bond with someone (or even an animal) who is just as different as you. Explore what makes this connection possible, how this relationship evolves, and what you both learn from each other.
   
   
4. Imagine you have the opportunity to address a large audience about autism. You can focus on challenges faced by the autistic community, promote understanding and acceptance, or envision an autism-friendly future. Craft a powerful speech or essay that would both inform and inspire your audience.
   
   
5. Many autistic individuals have deep and passionate interests. Choose a real or fictional autistic character and delve into their special interest. How does this interest shape their personality? How does it help them understand the world or provide comfort? How do others react to their passion, and how does the character feel about that?
   
   

6. “Masking” is the act of suppressing autistic traits to fit in socially. Write a short story or a series of diary entries from the point of view of an autistic person who feels the need to mask. Explore their internal struggles as they try to maintain this facade, the situations where they feel it necessary, and the toll it takes on them.
   
   
7. Create a piece of science fiction or fantasy where the existence of a neurodiverse society is explored. Autistic characters, along with individuals with ADHD, dyslexia, and other neurodivergent conditions, may have special abilities or play important roles in society. Explore the challenges and triumphs within this world. Does it offer a positive vision of what a neurodiversity-affirming world could look like?
   
   
8. Imagine you are an autistic parent or an autistic individual writing a letter to a young, newly diagnosed autistic child. What words of wisdom do you have for them? What do you hope for their future, and how can they navigate a world that might not always understand them?
   
   
9. Write a humorous or satirical story about an autistic person attempting to decipher the complex and ever-changing rules of social interactions. Focus on those unspoken expectations: body language, small talk, conversational cues, etc. Explore their thought process as they try to analyze and adapt to a system that seems baffling to them.
   
   
10. Routines are often a source of comfort and stability for autistic individuals. Write from the perspective of someone whose carefully structured routine gets disrupted by an unexpected event. Explore how the change affects their sense of control, the anxiety they might feel, and the process of finding a new rhythm amidst the chaos.
    
    

11. Many autistic people experience challenges with verbal communication, either some of the time or all of the time. Write a story where the main character is nonverbal or has difficulty speaking. How do they find alternate ways to express themselves? How do others react, and how does the character advocate for their own needs?
    
    
12. Create a superhero or fantasy character who is openly autistic. Their special abilities may or may not stem directly from their autism. Focus on how their autistic identity intersects with their powers and how they use their strengths to overcome challenges and help others.
    
    
13. Write a reflective essay or poem from the perspective of an autistic person who often prefers solitude and quiet spaces. Explore what they find calming about those environments, how they use that time to recharge, and how they feel when the outside world demands their participation.
    
    
14. Write a short story exploring the dynamics of an inclusive classroom with both autistic and neurotypical children. Focus on the challenges, moments of connection, and how the students learn from each other about different ways of thinking and being.
    
    
15. Many fictional portrayals of autism are inaccurate or even harmful. Choose a popular book, movie, or TV show that features an autistic character. Write a critique focusing on the stereotypes it reinforces or the positive aspects of its representation. Imagine a way to rewrite this portrayal that’s more authentic and empowering.
    
    

16. Write a story from the perspective of a brother or sister of an autistic individual. Explore how their sibling’s autism impacts their family life, the unique challenges they face, and the bond that they share.
    
    
17. Society often defines “normal” in a narrow way. Write an essay or short story where an autistic character challenges this notion. Explore how they define normal for themselves, focusing on their strengths, quirks, and unique way of understanding the world. How do they embrace their own normal instead of trying to conform to others’ expectations?
    
    
18. Throughout history, there have been brilliant individuals who likely would have been diagnosed as autistic if they lived today. Choose a historical figure (scientist, artist, musician, etc.) and research their life. Craft a story reimagining their experiences through the lens of autism. How might their autistic traits have shaped their thought processes, work, and interactions with the world?
    
    
19. Meltdowns are an overwhelming experience often caused by sensory overload, stress, and difficulty regulating emotions. Write a first-person account from the perspective of someone having a meltdown. Describe the whirlwind of internal sensations, the thoughts racing through their mind, and what they wish others understood about this experience.
    
    
20. Write a story or essay about an autistic individual who finds a powerful form of self-expression. It could be through art, music, writing, activism, technology, or something completely different. Explore how this passion becomes an outlet for their emotions, thoughts, and a way for them to connect with the world.

Journal Prompts for Autistic Adults

1. Today, you noticed… (and then list specific sensory experiences that were either pleasant or challenging). What were your reactions, and how did you manage them? Are there sensory experiences you’d like to seek out more or learn to better cope with?
   
   
2. Think of a situation today where you felt the need to “mask” or suppress your autistic traits. What did it feel like? Why did you feel the need to do this? Are there ways to feel more comfortable being yourself in similar situations?
   
   
3. What’s one thing you accomplished today, big or small, that you’re proud of? How did your autistic strengths contribute to this success?
   
   
4. How did your special interest(s) bring you joy or help you today? Did you discover anything new, or did you find a way to use your knowledge in a practical way?
   
   
5. What’s one thing you felt challenged by today? How can you be kind to yourself, remembering it’s okay not to be perfect and your experiences are valid?
   
   

6. If you experienced a meltdown or felt close to one, what were the triggers? Is there anything you could do differently next time (e.g., earlier sensory breaks, communicating your needs)? If you experienced shutdown, what helped you recover?
   
   
7. Did you have an interaction today that made you feel connected and understood? Or, was there one that felt draining? What kind of social interactions feel best for you, and what boundaries could you set for your well-being?
   
   
8. What is one goal you have for yourself – related to personal growth, career, relationships, or anything else significant to you? What steps could you take towards this goal that support your autistic needs and strengths?
   
   
9. Did you have a communication experience today that felt successful or fulfilling? Alternatively, was there one that left you confused or frustrated? What strategies helped you feel understood, or what would you like to try differently next time?
   
   
10. Did you face a situation today where you had to advocate for your needs as an autistic person? This could be regarding accessibility, accommodations, or simply explaining your experiences to someone else. How did you navigate it?
    
    

11. What are some essential items or practices that help you regulate your sensory input? These could be noise-canceling headphones, a fidget toy, a calming space, or even a specific routine. How do these tools support you?
    
    
12. Autistic individuals often experience fatigue or fluctuate in energy levels. How was your energy today? What activities felt restorative, and which ones were draining?
    
    
13. Did you experience a strong emotion today? Take some time to unpack it– what might have triggered it, how did it feel physically, and what strategies helped you cope (or could help in the future)?
    
    
14. Choose an everyday activity or environment and write about it in detail through the lens of an autistic person. Focus on specific sensory aspects, thought processes, and details that someone else might overlook.
    
    
15. Did you engage in any stimming behaviors today? These could be repetitive movements, sounds, or anything that provides sensory regulation. How did stimming help you, and are there ways to incorporate it in your life more intentionally?
    
    

16. Reflect on the people or communities (online or in-person) that make you feel accepted and supported as an autistic person. What qualities do they possess, and how can you nurture those connections?
    
    
17. Many autistic individuals find comfort in routines and predictability. Did your routines help you today? Were there any unexpected changes that felt challenging? How did you find a sense of control in your day?
    
    
18. Autistic people often face internalized stigma and a sense of “not being good enough.” If your inner critic showed up today, what did it sound like? What’s one way to counter those negative thoughts with self-acceptance?
    
    
19. In what ways did your unique autistic perspective give you an advantage today? This could be noticing details others miss, having a deeper focus, or thinking outside the box.
    
    
20. Imagine writing a letter to yourself as a young autistic child or teen. What reassurance, guidance, or validation would you offer?