Bened Life Blog - Gut-brain education & PS128 stories

A row of three glass jars, each containing a grain. There is a jar of couscous, a jar of rice, and an overturned jar from which pasta is spilling out towards the camera.

Understanding Autism Safe Foods

Sensory issues, preferences, and more make certain favorites "safe foods". Learn more!

Understanding Autism Safe Foods

Sensory issues, preferences, and more make certain favorites "safe foods". Learn more!

A person in a white shirt hugs a cute white kitten close to their chest with an arm

Cute Aggression and the Hamster I Loved Too Much

Long before the labels, I knew there was something different in the way I felt things. Something bigger, louder, harder to control.

Cute Aggression and the Hamster I Loved Too Much

Long before the labels, I knew there was something different in the way I felt things. Something bigger, louder, harder to control.

A woman in a blue hoodie looks at her phone.

Autism Comorbidities: What You Need to Know

Autistic people face higher likelihood of certain physical health challenges like GI conditions, autoimmune issues, and more. Learn how to self-advocate.

Autism Comorbidities: What You Need to Know

Autistic people face higher likelihood of certain physical health challenges like GI conditions, autoimmune issues, and more. Learn how to self-advocate.

A young woman in a pair of white pajamas looks confused while sitting on a white couch holding her knees to her chest

Why People Don't Say "Asperger's" Anymore (And ...

One Autistic woman summarizes the history of the term “Asperger’s Syndrome”, why it fell out of use, and why it matters.

Why People Don't Say "Asperger's" Anymore (And ...

One Autistic woman summarizes the history of the term “Asperger’s Syndrome”, why it fell out of use, and why it matters.

Dyspraxia and Autism: Two Real-Life Perspectives. With photos of each author, Tiffany “TJ” Joseph and Isaiah Tien Grewal

Dyspraxia and Autism: Two Real-Life Perspectives

Two Autistic people with dyspraxia talk about how its effects on motor function affects their lives.

Dyspraxia and Autism: Two Real-Life Perspectives

Two Autistic people with dyspraxia talk about how its effects on motor function affects their lives.

Two women eat macarons at an outside table at a cafe. They are mid-conversation. The woman on the left has a white top with dark blue flowers. The woman on the right wears a peach-colored dress.

What is Masking in Autism?

Masking is when Autistic people suppress natural behaviors. Masking has a cost, but unmasking has its challenges, as well.

What is Masking in Autism?

Masking is when Autistic people suppress natural behaviors. Masking has a cost, but unmasking has its challenges, as well.

Two young people sit on a teal bench, playing with rain-bow colored pop fidget toys. One is dressed formally with long sleeves and a vest. The other is wearing a light purple button-down over a white tee and dark jeans.

Stimming in Autism: Why It Is Necessary & Natural

Stimming in autism may look unusual to people who aren’t used to it. But stimming serves many functions, from emotional regulation to directing focus.

Stimming in Autism: Why It Is Necessary & Natural

Stimming in autism may look unusual to people who aren’t used to it. But stimming serves many functions, from emotional regulation to directing focus.

A person sits in an armchair with a pillow in her lap, hands clasped, as another person gestures toward them

Late Diagnosis of Autism: Is an Official Diagno...

If you think you might be Autistic, you probably have questions. You may be seeking an autism diagnosis, considering self-identification, or just wanting to know more. We’re here to help.

Late Diagnosis of Autism: Is an Official Diagno...

If you think you might be Autistic, you probably have questions. You may be seeking an autism diagnosis, considering self-identification, or just wanting to know more. We’re here to help.

A heart shaped sucker in a red wrapper lying on a shallow pink dish on a darker pink surface

Autism and Intimacy: Sensory Issues, Romance, a...

From sensory considerations to unique expressions of affection, autism affects how people experience romance, sex, and intimacy.

Autism and Intimacy: Sensory Issues, Romance, a...

From sensory considerations to unique expressions of affection, autism affects how people experience romance, sex, and intimacy.

A small child in a striped shirt plays with multicolored Lego blocks

Celebrating Special Interests in Autism

Autistic special interests are more than a hobby or fascination. Read on to learn how and why to support special interests in your Autistic friend or family member.

Celebrating Special Interests in Autism

Autistic special interests are more than a hobby or fascination. Read on to learn how and why to support special interests in your Autistic friend or family member.

January calendar can evoke new year, new you, but its ok if it's same you

New Year, Same You - And That's OK

For many of us with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and general life challenges, January 1st can be less about starting over and more about giving ourselves grace.

New Year, Same You - And That's OK

For many of us with chronic illness, neurodivergence, and general life challenges, January 1st can be less about starting over and more about giving ourselves grace.