[Image description and alt text for a nine-image comic.]
Image 1. [An illustration of a crying person walking away from a sad-faced moon, star, strawberry, bunny, and fish.] Why your friend with chronic illness/pain might not want to hang out.
Image 2. Chronic illnesses can have many different symptoms and can be “invisible”. [In the middle of the image, the crying person’s face is underneath a rain cloud. Their face is surrounded by the words “diarrhea”, “constipation”, “back pain”, “headache”, “fatigue”, “nausea”. The bottom text reads: “(and that’s just to name a few)”.]
Image 3. You’d think your friend would want some extra love when they are struggling… and you’re probably right! [The star frowns and holds a cell phone. The phone says, “The number you have dialed is unavailable”. A dotted line from the phone leads to a heart.] So why are they isolating themself?
Image 4. [The person, strawberry, and fish stand next to a table with a pizza. The person looks alarmed and there are three exclamation points above their head.] Things to consider: social “norms” → something that may seem simple to you like eating out can be hard for many people! Whether you struggle with dietary restrictions, panic attacks from dining out socially, or have a complicated relationship with food + eating. What’s easy for you might be hard for a loved one…
Image 5. [At the top of the image, the word “Mobility” is surrounded by a circle of lines.] Long road trips or a day at the beach can sound fun when you’re healthy… but for a lot of people who have chronic pain or illness, it can be challenging with a lot of pressure + stress from potential risks you may not realize they have to consider! Like sitting for long periods of time or available bathrooms! [The bunny and the moon think, “perfect weather for the beach!” The moon holds a beach umbrella. The person is next to them, thinking about a toilet.]
Image 6. [The person sleeps under a blanket.] Dealing with pain + illness can often lead to depression which can make obligations like returning messages and keeping dates hard for someone who’s struggling to take care of themself, even if they love and miss you! [Three yellow flowers with sad faces.]
Image 7. Why them and not me? [In the top left, the star thinks, “I just wanted to go to the bar?”] It can be hard and confusing to see someone you love choose to lean on someone else and not you!!! But try and be understanding and not take everything too personally. They might be able to connect in a really needed way right now. It doesn’t mean they love you any less! [In the bottom right, the person talks to a mouse. The mouse says “Oh ya! I have panic attacks in crowds too!”]
Image 8. For people dealing with something chronic it often means they will always be battling and trying to find ways to manage through things like: medication, diet, lifestyle, surgery, and much more. [The person looks overwhelmed. They are surrounded by a long paper list, three pills, and a broken heart.] Whether diagnosis is new, old, or still being awaited, it can be a painful and scary process!
Image 9. So what can you do? Be patient, loving, and open to this process with them! Be prepared to listen and meet them where they are at! [In the middle of the image, the crying person hugs the moon, star, strawberry, bunny, and fish. All are smiling.] Ask what you can do to make them feel safe and heard!!! Communicate needs and boundaries in a kind and considerate way! Treat each other tenderly because you never know what someone may be struggling through!
Throughout #autgust I will be posting portraits of other Autistic People of Color to celebrate the diversity of autistics and challenge the way society has engrained in us to see autism.
“You don’t look autistic.”
Yes I do.
Here’s Part 1… Everyone in this^ post is a nonbinary autistic person of color. These are volunteers.
Tired of having an allistic chosen month be all about how allistics should be aware of or accept you?…Tired of allistic feelings being centered and spending a month defending yourself?… Welcome to Autgust! Grab your denim jacket and chew toy and lets ROCK OUT.
The prompts above are just fun suggestions. Celebrate any way you want. This month is for YOU.There are no rules - just rebellion.
Allies can reblog and share, but should not participate.<3
image transcription below:
1. Selfie! (or portrait, etc)
2. Special Interests
3. Autistic Memes
4. Intersectional Disabilities
5. Pets & Service Animals
6. Favorite Autistic Animal Mascot
7. Self Diagnosed⛅
8. Sign Language & Alternative Communication
9. Autigender ⚧
10. Autistic Adults
11. ACTUAL Autism Parents (Autistic Parents)
12. Autistic Kids (4 Autistic Youth to SELF Advocate)
13. Queer Pride️
14. Favorite Autistic Characters (& Headcanons)
~SENSORY WEEK~
15. Light
16. Sound
17. Texture
18. Smells
19. Favorite Foods
20. Your Stims!
21. Flapping Pride
~~~
22. Autistics of Color✊
23. Nonverbal 2 Hyperverbal
24. Introverts 2 Extroverts
25. Autistic Love❤
26. Neuropunk Looks
27. VENT(Ableists get lost.)
28. Trans Autistics️⚧️
29. Autistic Artists
30. Autistic Writers and Stories
31. Autistic Rebellion
(You know what? Maybe steal september and make it “allistic awareness month”)
How it feels when you open up to someone about your health/disability and they don’t care or trivialise your pain and fears “oh you’ll be ok!”
I know you’re trying to help, that you think you’re comforting me, but sometimes I just need you to recognise that I’m hurting and comfort me or accept that it’s true. #criticalhit
rent is soon and my car has been in the shop for 2 weeks because of a hit and run so I can’t even uber to make ends meet pls consider checking out my shop
[ID: 4 acrylic paintings. the first one is a painting of a cane with the words “mobility aids are not the worst case scenario.” the second is a painting of a birds of paradise plant. the third is a painting of green intestines. the fourth is a painting of the earth. end ID]
i just moved and shit was more expensive than i anticipated. pls pls pls consider buying some art because i gotta pay rent next week and it’s gonna be a stretch to be able to lol
This is one of a series of images by Artur de Menezes that are “created to explore the fails of accessibility that surround us every day.” I don’t know about y’all but as a disabled person I can certainly relate to that big golden ball heading for an uncomfortable encounter with that column. Cool art project.
[ID: Illustration portrait of a girl with white pale skin tone and dark brown hair having her eyes closed and crying. Her mouth is in a smile, but red lines seem to stitch it up and she’s holding it. Some of her bones in her arms and ribs are shown, inside different plants and flowers.]
