A short comic about comorbidity rates between autism and various sleep disorders, from autistic people's own reports and accounts of their experiences.
I originally made this for #asdcomictakeover 2023, but my schedule was woeful and I didn't get it finished until many months after autistic acceptance month. But I figured I should have it somewhere on the internet before 2024 rolls around. Thanks for reading! Please understand that I'm just one person and I'm by no means a medical authority. This is not a diagnostic tool, but it does highlight the reality that many autistic people face with chronically disordered sleep patterns. I hope it can help for autistic people to seek help and feel understood if they fall into these comorbidities.
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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we are on the last few days of our campaign right now and everything's really coming together!! you can check us out (and some little comic previews) here on Kickstarter! ^-^
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/schnumn/sensory-life-on-the-spectrum/description
text transcript below the cut!
"hey! are you into comics and supporting neurodivergent writers and artists?"
"I'm a contributor for Sensory! A comic anthology by over 30 autistic creators"
"we're producing insightful and accessible media about the autistic experience and mental health"
"you can support our project & get your own copy over at KICKSTARTER!"
"thanks for your consideration! check us out in the link below!"
Hi!! Your autism tips comic just popped along my dash and it was so helpful to read and very cute! You don't have to answer this if you don't want to, but I was curious about how you went about getting a diagnosis when you're an adult? I'm struggling to understand the process myself because I'd like to talk to a medical professional about it if I can for myself! Again, uh, don't worry about answering this if it's too personal šš
Hi anon!
I know you sent this a long time ago, I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get to it! This, and along with a few other asks actually influenced me to work on an extra comic for the Sensory: Life On The Spectrum anthology covering this topic..!
I'm not sure if/when I'll be able to post that comic online, so for now, I'll share how I went about getting my diagnosis.
Please note that I'm from Scotland!
So, in 2017 (I'd have been 22/23?), I was seeing a psychologist because I was really struggling with anxiety. I got referred by my doctor!
When I was giving my psychologist details about my childhood, she was interested in me being dyspraxic, and how other things I was saying seemed to be hinting at autism too, so she arranged for a specialist to come in and assess me. I actually didn't think I was autistic at the time, so I was sort of like "yeah, sure, we'll do this to rule it out!"
The assessment went over about 4 appointments and I was asked questions about my childhood milestones and behaviour (like how long it took to speak, asking your family members for this info is handy), my social and emotional communication skills (eye contact, emotional responses to things), any repetitive or restrictive behaviours (special interests, bad textures, need to stick to routines etc).
In the end, I was diagnosed as being autistic, and given a letter explaining how they came to this conclusion. I was still a little in denial at first and it took a few months to accept it, but the fact that I've had so many people now tell me that my comic's helped them in their own lives makes me really glad that I found out that I was on the spectrum!
Basically, try asking your doctor to help you get in touch with either a psych, or someone who specialises in autism. It might help to bring a list of traits you feel you have. Another thing to note is that autism is comorbid with and shares a lot in common with a lot of different things! You may discover that it's ADHD, dyspraxia, dyslexia, etc instead/as well. I hope this helps! Good luck with it!
i uh hi, I saw your comic about adult autism today and honestly it really helped me because well my therapist wants me to get tested for it and just kind of got overwhelmed by it. So thanks for the new info because that was honestly really eye opening.
Hi anon!
I'm so glad it's helped a bit! Here's hoping your assessment goes okay and helps you find out more <3
Hi! I wanna send your "Tips for Autistic Adult Life" comic to a friend cause it will help her so much, but she doesn't understand English, is it of if I translate the pages? I'll give you all the credits ofc and even ask her not to post it online if you dont allow!
Hi!!
I'm so glad you asked first, what a lovely thing for you to want to do for your friend! I'm happy for you to translate it for her. If you look at the readmore of the comic, I have a transcript there (that was very kindly written for me) - just in case that helps you with it!
I think I'd rather avoid anyone reposting my comic online for now, but if you'd like you can send me another ask off-anon and that way I can message you and find out more about what you had in mind?
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
ā Live Streamingā Interactive Chatā Private Showsā HD Qualityā Free Actions
Free to watch ā¢ No registration required ā¢ HD streaming
Hi! I didnāt know what pathological demand avoidance was until I saw your comic and I just want to say THANK YOU. Wow what a massive revelation, I thought I just had executive dysfunction but it never felt quite right and I thought I was just stubborn or lazy but thereās a ~term~ for it and it explains my experiences perfectly and Iām just. Really emotional. Thank you.
Oh, Iām so glad itās helped! It can be frustrating to try and figure out WHY we struggle to make ourselves do certain things.
I only found out about it by chance (I read an article and someone was described as having it), it wasnāt on my radar at all until a few months ago. The resources I found have been really handy for me, I actually had to use some of them to get the comic done on time, haha!
I really recommend taking a look at things like this, as my comic could only really briefly touch on the topic and Iām certainly not an expert:
Hi! I work with autistic teenagers in further education colleges, would you mind if I shared your comic with them?
Hi there! Thank you for waiting for my reply, and for asking for my consent firstĀ ā”
Iām happy for you to share a link to my tumblr post or to my twitter post, but for now please donāt repost (as in, copying and pasting the images of) my comic to other platforms (like Instagram or Facebook)! Iām currently still trying to figure out what I want to do about those and need a bit more time.
Iād also just like to note just in case itās important that Iām from Scotland, and Iāve heard that some things (such as the sunflower lanyards) arenāt in other countries!
You may be interested in our anthology, whichāll have physical copies of my comic as well as loads of awesome comics from autistic creators all in one place! I hope this helps.
[Image: A blue mouse in a tie has his arms up for a hug. He says āthanks!ā]
I decided to create something that I wish I had when I first got diagnosed with autism - so here's my comic for ASDComicTakeover!
You can find out more about the project here!
Image 1:
[Author avatar, feminine presenting person with brown hair and a blue overall skirt] TEA, 26 SHE/HER AUTISM DYSPRAXIA āOh!! Is it my turn now? Nice! Hello!! I was diagnosed with autism in 2017.ā
When I found out, I hoped Iād be able to find practical advice for all the things I struggled with. But the advice I foundā¦ was usually intended for allistic* [non-autistic] parents, teachers, or employers.
[Author reading articles titled, āHelp your child focus in class by-ā āHow to stop your child from having meltdownsā ā10 reasons to hire an autistic pers-ā]
So after plenty of research, talking to friends, and trying things out for myself, here areā¦ [images of author conducting research]
(just a few) Tips For Autistic Adult Life!
Including website resources for more information!
Image 2: Dealing With Chores and Tasks!
Meet: Executive Dysfunction [image of cat] + Pathological Demand Avoidance [image of dog] Two challenging traits!
In short:
Executive Dysfunction impacts our ability to start or plan tasks. It may feel like you canāt begin, even with no obstacles. [image of cat in front of dirty dishes, thinking, āI canāt start yet!ā]
PDA, meanwhile, causes us to intensely avoid tasks, BECAUSE of the expectation to do it. [image of dog pulling on leash labelled āexpectationā protesting, āI donāt need to do it!ā āI can do it later, okay?!ā]
These might help:
[ED] -Ask for company to keep you focused while you do the task! This could be a call, or in person. -Say the next step of your task out loud. Repeat as needed. -Break down your to-do lists, like this!
Ongoing task!
Step 1 (done)
Step 2
Step 3ā¦ etc! [image of cat saying, ā Plates done, cups next!ā] *transcription note: reformatted steps to fit tumblr
[PDA] -If the āexpectedā way is stressing you out, look for your own way of doing it! -Decide on an āoutā for events, but donāt intend on using it. This reduces stress, since you know you can leave if you must. -Some find disguising demands helpful, eg: [image of dog saying, āIām not actually starting yet, Iām just setting things up so itāll be easy later!ā]
And some which help me:
[ED] Something is always better than nothing! Appreciate the small things you get done each day, even things like washing or eating. [image of cat patting their own head]
[PDA] Put on some shoes! Strangely, I find Iām always more keen to get things done if I have shoes on. I canāt wear them in bed, after all! [image of dog wearing shoes]
Go around it! Does just one part of the task feel scary? [image of cat anxious about a phone call] Try to plan your way around it, treat it like a puzzle! [image of cat thinking]
Image 3: Out And About!
[image of bunny thinking, āI can get so overwhelmed at the shops! Every sight and sound is designed to catch your eye. Ah. I forgot what I neededā¦]
[image of sunflower and sunflower lanyard that says, āhidden disabilityā] Some public places (like shopping centres and airports) will give you a sunflower lanyard if you ask. This is part of a project that lets staff know you have an invisible disability. hiddendisabilities.com
[image of shopping list] Try grouping your shopping list by areas. Or if thereās no time for lists, I snap a pic of the fridge! [image of bunny photographing inside of open fridge]
You may want to wear one if youād like extra help finding things or using facilities! [image of bunny wearing a mask and sunflower lanyard]
Restaurants can be a lot, too. Sometimes with all the noise, once I get the menuā¦ [image of bunny in overstimulating restaurant environment saying, āAh. I canāt read.ā] Some restaurants have their menu online, so you can plan before you go!
Image 4: In The Workplace!
Thereās a statistic that only 22% of UK autistic people are in work. [image of pie chart, colored like a cheese wheel, with a portion labelled, ā22%ā] [Author avatar speaking] Until 2020, I was one of āem! So for now, Iāll leave you with this wee guy! [image of mouse in a tie]
Whether you disclose your autism is entirely up to you If you do, a good place to start is with Human Resources (HR). They can help you without telling anyone else about it. [Image of mouse talking to elephant wearing an HR nametag]
You can ask for adjustments! This could be clear written instructions, different lighting, or moving to a quieter place with less distractionsā¦ etc. [image of frantic, overwhelmed mouse moving to a quieter environment where they are more relaxed]
Some jobs have LOTS of info. I used a blank notebook for: -step by step guides for tasks -to-do lists and tracking progress -any issues or questions I had -desk maps to help me find people. [image of notebook opened to notes on printing and copying as well as a calendar]
Speak to a manager or HR if you think youāre being bullied at work. This could be: -constant harsh critique of your work -rude comments on your intelligence/looks -uncalled for threats to fire you [image of mouse being threatened by hedgehog coworker]
Image 5: Sensory Overloads (part 1)
Due to masking, sensory overload in adults isnāt always obvious - even to us! Maybe there was a big social event, or just a busy day. Suddenly, thereās Too Much. Sounds all suddenly feel unbearable! [images of tiger distressed and angered by sounds of music and slurping] You might feel snappy if someone tries to talk to you or touch you. Or you might shut down and struggle to keep talking or moving. Autistic fatigue is very real, and sensory overload, masking, and stress can all cause it.
Pressure therapy can be very soothing. This can be done with a tight hug, a weighted blanket, or with weighted plush toys! [images of tiger hugging a friend and wearing a weighted blanket]
Sound-cancelling headphones were a game changer for me! They reduce ambient noise, which is handy outside. [image of tiger wearing headphones] Ear plugs help too!
Some find that wearing sunglasses helps with visual overstimulation. Reducing the amount of clutter and simplifying a safe space can help, too! (leather jacket is optional) [image of tiger with sunglasses and a leather jacket]
Distractions are a tactic, too. This could be: -eating a strong-tasting sweet -touching something soft -playing a game on your phone -doing puzzles [image of tiger doing number puzzles]
Image 6: Sensory Overloads (part 2)
[image of tiger thinking] āMindfulness techniques can ground you if you have nothing to hand. -Name one thing of each color you can see -Pick an item and describe it out loud -Find 5 different textures to touchā
And in the event that you canāt talk, thereās other ways to communicate. Thereās phone apps specifically for this, but in a pinch you can text. You can also get cards with messages, use a whiteboard, or hand signs to speak. Like Makaton! [image of tiger holding smart device that reads, āHELLOā]
Itās not uncommon to feel exhausted after a meltdown, sensory overload, or burnout. Please donāt give yourself a hard time if you canāt bounce back right away..! [images of all animal characters previously used helping the tiger deal with their exhaustion]
[Author avatar speaking] āWell, I think thatās all Iāve got for just now! I hope this helps!ā
[Author avatar covered in animal characters, who are each a little larger than her hands] āHappy Autism Acceptance Month!ā Thanks for [heart] reading! [heart]
Update comic transcription credit: @xteacupxā
[Panel 1 + 2, Tea (the artist) spits out her tea after seeing the response to her comic.The animals from her comic are plushies, and sitting with her.]
A few days ago, I posted my comic for #ASDComicTakeover. (It had tips for fellow autistic adults.) It went well! Lots of people have been asking me about it.
[Panel 3, Tea is gesturing to the segment after. She looks more composed.]
Good news about that! Our Kickstarter got funded within 6 hours! And there's still heaps of time left to back it! (Ends on May 27 2021) I'm getting published again! Woo!
[Panel 4, a yellow book sits on some pastel clouds]
Sensory: Life On The Spectrum Available on Kickstarter. A hardcover book! Beautiful comics about autism! Support over 30 artists! Your name in the book (Ā£5+)! Prints (Ā£25+)! Stickers (Ā£35+)!
[Panel 5, an arrow points to some cute animals who are holding the book and its prints.]
Now you can see these guys in a book!
