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Description
The fifth of a long project that I am making, and am passionate about.

I find it apalling how some individuals can underestimate just how much mental disorders could affect a person. Often, the stigma around mental illness is met with unhelpful and often patronizing words. "Why are you anxious/depressed? You have nothing to be anxious/depressed about." "Well, you could get over it if you just tried!" and more. Out of frustration and also out of desire to prove a point, I've decided to personify mental disorders into physical form, showing just how impactful and restraining they can be at times.

For creative purposes, I've made them look like entry logs in an old book, which I've subsequently dubbed "The Book of Shadows". This is one of the many designs I have made so far.

My goal is to validate people who truly feel overwhelmed and affected by these disorders, and are frustrated by the stigma and the people who don't seem to understand how it works. Hopefully, putting these disorders into physical forms can help people cope with what they struggle with, and have an explanation as to why they feel the way they do.

OTHERS IN THE SERIES:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/PT…
Major Depressive Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Ma…
Anxiety Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/An…
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/AD…
Borderline Personality Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/BP…
Bipolar Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Bi…
Schizophrenia: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Sc…
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Bo…

Transcription of Text:
The Autism Spectrum
Classification: Non-Parasitic
Unlike other disorders, Autism is a being born with its host, and is never intentionally hostile - however, its presence can intensify emotions, exaggerate movement and can overload sensory receptors. Autism will most often always take the form of a human with a shadowed body, and while it is most often the size of a child, it varies in heights, weights and age. Most notable behaviors that Autism causes are difficulties with communication, a desire for routine and distress towards unfamiliarity, difficutly understand others' emotions and social cues, and struggling with motor skills. Some individuals with Autism take comfort in an overwhelming world by latching onto something they are intrigued with. Autism, taking note of this, will often carry a trail of things that their host likes, studyign and focusing on it intensely and passionately.

Due to the species' various behaviors and forms, it is almost impossible to determine specific, set behaviors. However, it is important to note that Autism, while permanent, is not a disorder that is consciously aware that it may cause inhibition. Hosts may act differently and strangely to others, but it does not mean that they are less intelligent.

Some cases of Autism may create stimming habits that are harmful to the host, or others. In such cases, therapy to learn healthier ways to release stress is beneficial. Those with Autism might need assistance in learning certain subjects, or require a specific environment to feel comfortable. Knowing what a person needs according to their symptoms is key to helping them grow and socialize.

Description
The fifth of a long project that I am making, and am passionate about.

I find it apalling how some individuals can underestimate just how much mental disorders could affect a person. Often, the stigma around mental illness is met with unhelpful and often patronizing words. "Why are you anxious/depressed? You have nothing to be anxious/depressed about." "Well, you could get over it if you just tried!" and more. Out of frustration and also out of desire to prove a point, I've decided to personify mental disorders into physical form, showing just how impactful and restraining they can be at times.

For creative purposes, I've made them look like entry logs in an old book, which I've subsequently dubbed "The Book of Shadows". This is one of the many designs I have made so far.

My goal is to validate people who truly feel overwhelmed and affected by these disorders, and are frustrated by the stigma and the people who don't seem to understand how it works. Hopefully, putting these disorders into physical forms can help people cope with what they struggle with, and have an explanation as to why they feel the way they do.

OTHERS IN THE SERIES:
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/PT…
Major Depressive Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Ma…
Anxiety Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/An…
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/AD…
Borderline Personality Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/BP…
Bipolar Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Bi…
Schizophrenia: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Sc…
Body Dysmorphic Disorder: smashgal.deviantart.com/art/Bo…

Transcription of Text:
The Autism Spectrum
Classification: Non-Parasitic
Unlike other disorders, Autism is a being born with its host, and is never intentionally hostile - however, its presence can intensify emotions, exaggerate movement and can overload sensory receptors. Autism will most often always take the form of a human with a shadowed body, and while it is most often the size of a child, it varies in heights, weights and age. Most notable behaviors that Autism causes are difficulties with communication, a desire for routine and distress towards unfamiliarity, difficutly understand others' emotions and social cues, and struggling with motor skills. Some individuals with Autism take comfort in an overwhelming world by latching onto something they are intrigued with. Autism, taking note of this, will often carry a trail of things that their host likes, studyign and focusing on it intensely and passionately.

Due to the species' various behaviors and forms, it is almost impossible to determine specific, set behaviors. However, it is important to note that Autism, while permanent, is not a disorder that is consciously aware that it may cause inhibition. Hosts may act differently and strangely to others, but it does not mean that they are less intelligent.

Some cases of Autism may create stimming habits that are harmful to the host, or others. In such cases, therapy to learn healthier ways to release stress is beneficial. Those with Autism might need assistance in learning certain subjects, or require a specific environment to feel comfortable. Knowing what a person needs according to their symptoms is key to helping them grow and socialize.