People see me running my own art business and automatically assume that means I’m capable of living independently. But what people don’t understand is that being able to create and sell artwork does NOT mean I’m capable of taking care of myself. 💔
I’m diagnosed with Level 3 autism, which means I require very substantial support. I also have a neurocognitive disorder that impairs my cognitive functioning, and I struggle with severe catatonia. These disabilities significantly affect my ability to function in everyday life.
Yes, I’m an artist. Yes, I run my own small art business. Yes, I can create beautiful paintings and detailed colored pencil drawings. Yes, I can communicate with customers, advertise my work, and manage certain aspects of my business.
But none of those abilities magically make me independent.
People see the finished paintings, the social media posts, the commissions, and the business side of my life. What they don’t see is everything happening behind the scenes.
They don’t see that I require 24/7 care and range-of-sight supervision. They don’t see the cognitive difficulties, the regression, the communication challenges, or how much support I need to navigate everyday situations.
They don’t see the moments when I lose my ability to speak and have to rely on my AAC device. They don’t see how unpredictable my functioning can be or how severely my disabilities impact my daily life.
Being talented at something doesn’t mean I’m capable of doing everything.
Art is something I can do. It’s something I’m passionate about, something that gives me purpose, and something that allows me to generate income because I’m not medically or cognitively cleared to work a traditional job.
But being able to paint a picture doesn’t mean I can safely live alone.
Being able to communicate through social media doesn’t mean I can consistently communicate verbally.
Being able to sell artwork doesn’t mean I can independently manage all my personal care, medical needs, safety, or daily responsibilities.
And being able to run a small business doesn’t mean my autism is somehow less severe.
My artistic abilities and my disabilities coexist. One does not erase the other.
I think one of the most frustrating parts of having an invisible disability is constantly having to prove how disabled I actually am. People see a small portion of my life and assume they understand my entire level of functioning.
They see intelligence and assume independence.
They see creativity and assume capability.
They see communication and assume I don’t struggle.
They see accomplishments and assume I don’t need substantial support.
But disability isn’t measured by how talented someone is or how impressive their accomplishments appear to other people.
I can be a successful artist and still be severely disabled. I can own a business and still require lifelong care. I can have strengths while also having significant limitations.
The reality is that I may never be able to live independently, and that’s something I’ve had to come to terms with. My support needs don’t disappear just because I’m capable of creating something beautiful.
I’m proud of my artwork. I’m proud of the business I’ve built. I’m proud that despite everything I struggle with, I’ve found something meaningful that I’m able to do.
But I’m exhausted by the assumption that because I can do one thing well, I should somehow be capable of doing everything else.
Please stop confusing talent with independence. Please stop confusing intelligence with the ability to function independently. And please stop assuming that someone’s accomplishments determine the severity of their disability.
You can admire my artwork without minimizing my autism.
You can support my business without questioning my need for lifelong care.
You can celebrate my strengths while still acknowledging my very real limitations.
I’m an artist. I’m a business owner. I’m also a severely disabled autistic person who requires substantial daily support.
All of those things can be true at the same time. ❤️♾️
