NeurosparklySaffy Blog | disability advocacy blog

top of page

NeuroSparklySaffy

- Shop Saffy's limited edition designs -

t-shirts and crew neck jumpers available

Blog

It’s now live 🥹🙈💜 I’ve spent the past couple of months working on this merch to share with you folks. I have designed an “autism causes vaccines” print available on either a t-shirt (available in light purple, black or white in sizes XS to 3XL) and a crew neck jumper (available in light purple or black in sizes XS to 2XL). You can now shop my products through neurosparklysaffy.theprintbar.com 🫶

It’s now live 🥹🙈💜 I’ve spent the past couple of months working on this merch to share with you folks. I have designed an “autism causes vaccines” print available on either a t-shirt (available in light purple, black or white in sizes XS to 3XL) and a crew neck jumper (available in light purple or black in sizes XS to 2XL). You can now shop my products through neurosparklysaffy.theprintbar.com 🫶

Not sure what to say next time someone tells you that you don’t “look autistic” (whatever that means)? Here are my 4 favourite responses. It’s a choose your own adventure of how sassy you’d like to be 💁‍♀️🫶

📸 photo by @mollyburmeisterphotography @studio.veronique

Not sure what to say next time someone tells you that you don’t “look autistic” (whatever that means)? Here are my 4 favourite responses. It’s a choose your own adventure of how sassy you’d like to be 💁‍♀️🫶

📸 photo by @mollyburmeisterphotography @studio.veronique

Today is ME/CFS Awareness Day, a day very close to my heart 🩵

I have lived with this illness for 4.5 years now and it impacts every single part of my life. I spend almost all day every day lying down in bed, and yet, I only have mild-moderate ME/CFS. There are people living with severe ME/CFS that are permanently bedbound, unable to tolerate light or sound, unable to even eat or drink. ME/CFS is a life-altering illness that drastically reduces quality of life, can shorten lifespans, and affects an estimated 250,000 Australians, and yet is barely studied or even acknowledged.

If you would like to learn more about ME/CFS or donate to support research (and the lives of ME/CFS patients) please check out @emergeaustraliainc for reputable information and resources.

To all of those living with ME/CFS - stay strong ❤️‍🩹

Today is ME/CFS Awareness Day, a day very close to my heart 🩵

I have lived with this illness for 4.5 years now and it impacts every single part of my life. I spend almost all day every day lying down in bed, and yet, I only have mild-moderate ME/CFS. There are people living with severe ME/CFS that are permanently bedbound, unable to tolerate light or sound, unable to even eat or drink. ME/CFS is a life-altering illness that drastically reduces quality of life, can shorten lifespans, and affects an estimated 250,000 Australians, and yet is barely studied or even acknowledged.

If you would like to learn more about ME/CFS or donate to support research (and the lives of ME/CFS patients) please check out @emergeaustraliainc for reputable information and resources.

To all of those living with ME/CFS - stay strong ❤️‍🩹

When you become chronically ill or acquire a disability, you lose relationships - close friendships, casual friendships, romantic relationships. People can struggle to know how to act around you and can be unwilling to accommodate your new access needs. It’s a hard part of being disabled and it comes with a lot of grief ❤️‍🩹 I am so very thankful for the people in my life that have chosen to stick around, the people that willingly accommodate me and my needs, that make an effort to include me. My parents that care so much for me - physically and emotionally. My close friends that go out of their way to support me and check my access needs. I would not get through this without them ❤️‍🩹

This reel was inspired by a reel by @holistichadleigh

When you become chronically ill or acquire a disability, you lose relationships - close friendships, casual friendships, romantic relationships. People can struggle to know how to act around you and can be unwilling to accommodate your new access needs. It’s a hard part of being disabled and it comes with a lot of grief ❤️‍🩹 I am so very thankful for the people in my life that have chosen to stick around, the people that willingly accommodate me and my needs, that make an effort to include me. My parents that care so much for me - physically and emotionally. My close friends that go out of their way to support me and check my access needs. I would not get through this without them ❤️‍🩹

This reel was inspired by a reel by @holistichadleigh

Stop asking disabled people to work for free. We have bills to pay too.

📷 @mollyburmeisterphotography @studio.veronique

Stop asking disabled people to work for free. We have bills to pay too.

📷 @mollyburmeisterphotography @studio.veronique

Brands - think before you post. Read the quotes through a logical lens. Check for hidden discrimination. Because there are MANY people that exist in unhealthy or less healthy bodies and are still the most wonderful people, parents, friends, partners. You are NOT superior for existing in a healthier body than someone else.

Brands - think before you post. Read the quotes through a logical lens. Check for hidden discrimination. Because there are MANY people that exist in unhealthy or less healthy bodies and are still the most wonderful people, parents, friends, partners. You are NOT superior for existing in a healthier body than someone else.

The fight to find a semi-comfortable position 🥲

The fight to find a semi-comfortable position 🥲

When our good health days align, and the in-person catch up finally makes it out of the text thread 🥹🫶✨ There’s nothing quite like having a friend that really understands what you’re going through.

I had such a fun day out with my friend Bindi in Ballarat. Powered by compression socks, Sodii & delicious mocktails! 😆

When our good health days align, and the in-person catch up finally makes it out of the text thread 🥹🫶✨ There’s nothing quite like having a friend that really understands what you’re going through.

I had such a fun day out with my friend Bindi in Ballarat. Powered by compression socks, Sodii & delicious mocktails! 😆

Brands - think before you post. Read the quotes through a logical lens. Check for hidden discrimination. Because there are MANY people that exist in unhealthy or less healthy bodies and are still the most wonderful people, parents, friends, partners. You are NOT superior for existing in a healthier body than someone else.

Brands - think before you post. Read the quotes through a logical lens. Check for hidden discrimination. Because there are MANY people that exist in unhealthy or less healthy bodies and are still the most wonderful people, parents, friends, partners. You are NOT superior for existing in a healthier body than someone else.

Put more disabled people in your feed.

📸 @mollyburmeisterphotography @studio.veronique

Put more disabled people in your feed.

📸 @mollyburmeisterphotography @studio.veronique

Haven’t done an introduction in a while, so please enjoy this fun introduction of me in the style they use on Love on the Spectrum 🩷🙃

Haven’t done an introduction in a while, so please enjoy this fun introduction of me in the style they use on Love on the Spectrum 🩷🙃

Because accepting autism doesn’t end when April does 💁‍♀️

Here are 6 book recs if you want to become more accepting of autism:
- “Might Cry Later” by Kay Kerr. Australian fiction, features a newly diagnosed autistic woman in her early 20s.
- “Someone Like Me” edited by Jo Case & Clem Bastow. An anthology by autistic writers sharing their unique experiences through many different writing styles.
- “Different Not Less” by Chloé Hayden. A memoir & self-help guide, great for young autistic people & their loved ones.
- “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” by Mark Haddon. An easy read from the perspective of a teenager with high support needs navigating life changes.
- “Drama Queen” by Sara Gibbs. A memoir of a late diagnosed autistic woman, reflections of her life before diagnosis & new learnings post-diagnosis.
- “Unique” by Jodi Rodger’s (also known as “How to Find a Four-Leaf Clover”). A collection of short stories of interactions with autistic people & how they changed Jodi’s perspective.

What books would you add to this list? 📚

Because accepting autism doesn’t end when April does 💁‍♀️

Here are 6 book recs if you want to become more accepting of autism:
- “Might Cry Later” by Kay Kerr. Australian fiction, features a newly diagnosed autistic woman in her early 20s.
- “Someone Like Me” edited by Jo Case & Clem Bastow. An anthology by autistic writers sharing their unique experiences through many different writing styles.
- “Different Not Less” by Chloé Hayden. A memoir & self-help guide, great for young autistic people & their loved ones.
- “The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nighttime” by Mark Haddon. An easy read from the perspective of a teenager with high support needs navigating life changes.
- “Drama Queen” by Sara Gibbs. A memoir of a late diagnosed autistic woman, reflections of her life before diagnosis & new learnings post-diagnosis.
- “Unique” by Jodi Rodger’s (also known as “How to Find a Four-Leaf Clover”). A collection of short stories of interactions with autistic people & how they changed Jodi’s perspective.

What books would you add to this list? 📚

Chronic illness has taught me a lot about life ❤️‍🩹

Chronic illness has taught me a lot about life ❤️‍🩹

Welcome to episode 2 ✌️ of my GRWM series. Today I’m showing you how I honour my sensory & chronic illness needs in terms of dressing whilst in a flare-up.

Here are the choices I made when getting ready & why:
- a comfy dress that’s suitable for a day in bed 👗 it’s from @princesshighwayclothing
- compression clothing - whilst not the most comfortable, this is important for managing my POTS 🧦 my compression socks are from @funkysockco & my compression shorts are from @supacore
- a basic skincare routine, keeping it easy & short to reduce fatigue
- simple skincare products for my sensitive skin - @wildrefill deodorant, @cerave_aunz cleanser & moisturiser & @larocheposayaunz sensitive eyes sunscreen 🧴
- I use my @bystorm.beauty tool to apply any makeup products, most days this is just a clear eyebrow gel (code SAFFRONCANNYSMI will get you a discount) 💄
- I don’t worry about washing my hair often (to help manage my energy levels) & instead keep it in easy hairstyles such as braids & plaits
- I listen to an audiobook whilst getting ready, which helps me stay on task (& also distracts me from my symptoms) 🎧

Thanks for joining today’s GRWM. What topic should my next one focus on? 🫶

Welcome to episode 2 ✌️ of my GRWM series. Today I’m showing you how I honour my sensory & chronic illness needs in terms of dressing whilst in a flare-up.

Here are the choices I made when getting ready & why:
- a comfy dress that’s suitable for a day in bed 👗 it’s from @princesshighwayclothing
- compression clothing - whilst not the most comfortable, this is important for managing my POTS 🧦 my compression socks are from @funkysockco & my compression shorts are from @supacore
- a basic skincare routine, keeping it easy & short to reduce fatigue
- simple skincare products for my sensitive skin - @wildrefill deodorant, @cerave_aunz cleanser & moisturiser & @larocheposayaunz sensitive eyes sunscreen 🧴
- I use my @bystorm.beauty tool to apply any makeup products, most days this is just a clear eyebrow gel (code SAFFRONCANNYSMI will get you a discount) 💄
- I don’t worry about washing my hair often (to help manage my energy levels) & instead keep it in easy hairstyles such as braids & plaits
- I listen to an audiobook whilst getting ready, which helps me stay on task (& also distracts me from my symptoms) 🎧

Thanks for joining today’s GRWM. What topic should my next one focus on? 🫶

It’s okay if all you did today was rest ❤️

It’s okay if all you did today was rest ❤️

Here’s just a glimpse into some of the symptoms I feel on a regular basis (I ran out of space, so just narrowed it down to the most prominent ones). You can’t see these symptoms by looking at me. I have a hidden disability (a few, actually 😅), an invisible illness.

So this is your reminder to not judge a book by its cover. Don’t judge a disabled person by “how disabled they look” (what does that mean anyway? 😵‍💫). 20% of Australians are disabled, and of those people, 80-90% are living with hidden disabilities (news flash: that’s a lot of people!). There are people living with hidden disabilities and invisible illnesses all around you.

So next time that young man sits in a disabled priority seat, don’t question his right to be there. Next time that young woman parks in the disabled car spot and exits the car without a wheelchair or other mobility device, don’t question her right to park there. Next time that person tells you that their access needs include frequent short breaks, don’t question their right to access needs.

Have a bit of grace ❤️

Photo courtesy of @mollyburmeisterphotography & @studio.veronique . Outfit from @princesshighwayclothing . Post inspired by a recent post by @jaimierosesheil .

Here’s just a glimpse into some of the symptoms I feel on a regular basis (I ran out of space, so just narrowed it down to the most prominent ones). You can’t see these symptoms by looking at me. I have a hidden disability (a few, actually 😅), an invisible illness.

So this is your reminder to not judge a book by its cover. Don’t judge a disabled person by “how disabled they look” (what does that mean anyway? 😵‍💫). 20% of Australians are disabled, and of those people, 80-90% are living with hidden disabilities (news flash: that’s a lot of people!). There are people living with hidden disabilities and invisible illnesses all around you.

So next time that young man sits in a disabled priority seat, don’t question his right to be there. Next time that young woman parks in the disabled car spot and exits the car without a wheelchair or other mobility device, don’t question her right to park there. Next time that person tells you that their access needs include frequent short breaks, don’t question their right to access needs.

Have a bit of grace ❤️

Photo courtesy of @mollyburmeisterphotography & @studio.veronique . Outfit from @princesshighwayclothing . Post inspired by a recent post by @jaimierosesheil .

When you’re disabled, looking after yourself is a full-time job. The extra effort it takes to complete daily tasks, on top of regular medical appointments (& organising them & completing all the forms 😵‍💫) & a (sometimes very) limited energy supply means we often need more rest. ❤️‍🩹 So this is your reminder that it’s okay to rest. It’s okay if all you do today (& all you do tomorrow & the day after & the day after) is survive.

When you’re disabled, looking after yourself is a full-time job. The extra effort it takes to complete daily tasks, on top of regular medical appointments (& organising them & completing all the forms 😵‍💫) & a (sometimes very) limited energy supply means we often need more rest. ❤️‍🩹 So this is your reminder that it’s okay to rest. It’s okay if all you do today (& all you do tomorrow & the day after & the day after) is survive.

My disability do be disabling 🫠

Although I love who I am, and I am who I am because I’m autistic, the disabling aspects of my autism can definitely make life hard sometimes. The intense emotions I feel, the constant roller coaster of changing emotions, the persistent anxiety and stress - they all take their toll.

I like to mostly share the highlights of my life on here, and the joys that come with being autistic (because there are many!), but there are also many difficult moments. They exist. I don’t like to share them as much - they feel private and I like to make my social media joyful - but it’s important to me that I remind you that my social media is a highlight reel ❤️‍🩹

My disability do be disabling 🫠

Although I love who I am, and I am who I am because I’m autistic, the disabling aspects of my autism can definitely make life hard sometimes. The intense emotions I feel, the constant roller coaster of changing emotions, the persistent anxiety and stress - they all take their toll.

I like to mostly share the highlights of my life on here, and the joys that come with being autistic (because there are many!), but there are also many difficult moments. They exist. I don’t like to share them as much - they feel private and I like to make my social media joyful - but it’s important to me that I remind you that my social media is a highlight reel ❤️‍🩹

This is why you should listen to Barbie. 😌😌

This is why you should listen to Barbie. 😌😌

Because you were made exactly the way you’re meant to be 🫶🩷 It’s time to embrace who you are & listen to Erika’s advice (this is such an underrated Barbie song 🤌)

Because you were made exactly the way you’re meant to be 🫶🩷 It’s time to embrace who you are & listen to Erika’s advice (this is such an underrated Barbie song 🤌)

Inspired by @shayescott ‘s recent post, I thought I’d share some of the things I hate about being disabled 🙃 Please enjoy this fun post, + tell me - what do you “hate” about being disabled?

Inspired by @shayescott ‘s recent post, I thought I’d share some of the things I hate about being disabled 🙃 Please enjoy this fun post, + tell me - what do you “hate” about being disabled?

GRWM for a wedding ~ disabled edition ~

I wanted to make this video to show you that even if you have medical accessories, it is possible to accommodate your needs and still dress fabulously. I felt like a princess in my dress and was still able to relax knowing that my POTS and my sensory needs were addressed as much as possible.

Things I wear when dressing in formal clothes:
- wear all my compression gear underneath (ideally in colours that match my skin tone), including compression shorts and long socks 🧦
- wear a fun (and comfortable) dress that feels like me (because there’s no point wearing something that makes me feel uncomfortable all night long!) 👗
- wearing short heels - the heels help with blood flow and muscle pumps in my calves, but the short heel is still blocky and supportive 👡
- wear minimal makeup to manage my sensory needs and sensitive skin 😌
- use my @bystorm.beauty tool to help apply any makeup I do wear (you can use code SAFFRONCANNYSMI for a cheeky discount 🙈)
- wear fidget rings (and lots of jewellery) for discreet forgetting 💍
- take my walker (mobility aid) with me for extra support on the night 👩‍🦽‍➡️

Things I didn’t mention in the video, that I also do:
- take my ear defenders and ear plugs with me (to help with loud music/sounds) 🎧
- listen to an audio book as I get ready (to help me get through the different routine) 📖
- take my medications and my sodium supplements with me to take as needed throughout the night 💊

GRWM for a wedding ~ disabled edition ~

I wanted to make this video to show you that even if you have medical accessories, it is possible to accommodate your needs and still dress fabulously. I felt like a princess in my dress and was still able to relax knowing that my POTS and my sensory needs were addressed as much as possible.

Things I wear when dressing in formal clothes:
- wear all my compression gear underneath (ideally in colours that match my skin tone), including compression shorts and long socks 🧦
- wear a fun (and comfortable) dress that feels like me (because there’s no point wearing something that makes me feel uncomfortable all night long!) 👗
- wearing short heels - the heels help with blood flow and muscle pumps in my calves, but the short heel is still blocky and supportive 👡
- wear minimal makeup to manage my sensory needs and sensitive skin 😌
- use my @bystorm.beauty tool to help apply any makeup I do wear (you can use code SAFFRONCANNYSMI for a cheeky discount 🙈)
- wear fidget rings (and lots of jewellery) for discreet forgetting 💍
- take my walker (mobility aid) with me for extra support on the night 👩‍🦽‍➡️

Things I didn’t mention in the video, that I also do:
- take my ear defenders and ear plugs with me (to help with loud music/sounds) 🎧
- listen to an audio book as I get ready (to help me get through the different routine) 📖
- take my medications and my sodium supplements with me to take as needed throughout the night 💊

.pro-gallery-wix-wrapper {display: block !important;} .pro-gallery-wix-wrapper .gallery-item-container {opacity: 1 !important; display: block !important;}

Follow me on Instagram

@neurosparklysaffy

Saffron Canny-Smith (she/her)

I am a late-diagnosed autistic and ADHD woman. I share my real world experiences living as a disabled person in Australia. I am a writer, autistic advocate and keen dopamine-dresser.

Welcome to my corner of the Internet. Stay and read a while <3

Woman standing wearing a shirt and long pink skirt. The backdrop is all pink.

To collaborate or work with me, please contact my talent manager at talent@studioveronique.com

bottom of page