Calamity Brains
Funny stuff that's no joke.
Supporting neurodivergents with humor, resources,
and community.
Can I at least have my pocket knife?
Stitch: This cartoon resulted from a conversation we had about executive functioning, which are the higher-level mental skills that allow task initiation, planning, and execution. My executive function skills are not great. It’s hard to get started on things, even when I KNOW they need doing. Things that require many steps or detailed planning can leave my brain feeling foggy and sluggish and result in task avoidance or procrastination. It feels like I’ve got gum and nail clippers in my tool box for life when everyone else has hammers, drills, saws, and other functional tools that allow you to get the job done! When you struggle with executive function issues, you can experience shame, anxiety, and depression.
C: Lacking executive function is NO fun. For me, it's a constant struggle to get admin tasks done, for example. I don’t know how many late fees and penalties I’ve caused for myself (commonly called ADHD tax, which we'll address in future cartoons). I don’t even have the executive function to think about my lack of executive function. I AM pretty handy with a jigsaw, though.
We found this website and thought it helpful:
Tell us about your experience with executive function, task avoidance, or even gum. Calamity Brains wants to know!
No friends were harmed in the making of this cartoon.
Stitch: For me, friendships have always been difficult to manage. Especially with girls as a child and, later, with women. A lot of neurodivergent women struggle with this, particularly autistic women. For me, picking up on unsaid things, reading body language, and my being too blunt and probably not making the right facial expressions all play a part in making friendships difficult. Also, I much prefer to do activities, things that can be done side by side. Just sitting and chatting can be challenging, exhausting, and filled with uncertainty for me. In addition, I tend to laugh at things that other women either don’t find funny or find off-putting. Get me with a fellow neurodivergent, however, and we’re off to the races!
C: I only have a few friends. One of them laughs at things other people don’t find funny or find off-putting. It’s really kind of hilarious and endearing. Through our friendship I’ve learned to not take myself so seriously. We make quite a spectacle.
What is the best and worst parts of friendship for you?
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