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!

More info, update, and transcriptions:

PDA: https://autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/diagnosis/pda/autistic-adults + https://pdasociety.org.uk/life-with-pda-menu/adult-life-landing/self-help-coping-strategies-and-therapies-for-adult-pdaers/
Hidden Disabilities lanyards: https://hiddendisabilitiesstore.com
At work: https://autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/employment/support-at-work/autistic-adults
Sensory overloads: https://autism.org.uk/advice-and-gui

An exciting update - I’m part of an anthology!

You can back Sensory: Life On The Spectrum here!

Main comic transcription credit: @thejacespace​

Image 1:
[Author avatar, feminine presenting person with brown hair and a blue overall skirt] TEA, 26 SHE/HER AUTISM DYSPRAXIA “Oh!! Is it my turn now? Nice! Hello!! I was diagnosed with autism in 2017.”

When I found out, I hoped I’d be able to find practical advice for all the things I struggled with. But the advice I found… was usually intended for allistic* [non-autistic] parents, teachers, or employers.
[Author reading articles titled, “Help your child focus in class by-” “How to stop your child from having meltdowns” “10 reasons to hire an autistic pers-”]

So after plenty of research, talking to friends, and trying things out for myself, here are… [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 can’t begin, even with no obstacles. [image of cat in front of dirty dishes, thinking, “I can’t start yet!”]

PDA, meanwhile, causes us to intensely avoid tasks, BECAUSE of the expectation to do it. [image of dog pulling on leash labelled “expectation” protesting, “I don’t need to do it!” “I can do it later, okay?!”]

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 3… etc! [image of cat saying, “ Plates done, cups next!”] *transcription note: reformatted steps to fit tumblr

[PDA] -If the “expected” way is stressing you out, look for your own way of doing it! -Decide on an “out” for events, but don’t 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, “I’m not actually starting yet, I’m just setting things up so it’ll be easy later!”]

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 I’m always more keen to get things done if I have shoes on. I can’t 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, “I can get so overwhelmed at the shops! Every sight and sound is designed to catch your eye. Ah. I forgot what I needed…]

[image of sunflower and sunflower lanyard that says, “hidden disability”] 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 there’s 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 you’d 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 menu… [image of bunny in overstimulating restaurant environment saying, “Ah. I can’t read.”] Some restaurants have their menu online, so you can plan before you go!

Image 4: In The Workplace!

There’s 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, “22%”] [Author avatar speaking] Until 2020, I was one of ‘em! So for now, I’ll 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 distractions… 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 you’re 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 isn’t always obvious - even to us! Maybe there was a big social event, or just a busy day. Suddenly, there’s 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] “Mindfulness 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 touch”

And in the event that you can’t talk, there’s other ways to communicate. There’s 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, “HELLO”]

It’s not uncommon to feel exhausted after a meltdown, sensory overload, or burnout. Please don’t give yourself a hard time if you can’t bounce back right away..! [images of all animal characters previously used helping the tiger deal with their exhaustion]

[Author avatar speaking] “Well, I think that’s all I’ve got for just now! I hope this helps!”

[Author avatar covered in animal characters, who are each a little larger than her hands] “Happy Autism Acceptance Month!” Thanks for [heart] reading! [heart]

Update comic transcription credit: @xteacupx​

[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 (£5+)! Prints (£25+)! Stickers (£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!