Autistic Warrior Cats
The autistic spectrum is wide and how it affects each person varies greatly. This is simply a guide to explore more about it and make it relevant to cats.
This isn't an exhaustive guide on how to portray autism. It's just a general guide applying autistic experiences to warrior cats. I've taken from my experience as an autistic person and from resources.
Traits
Autism is different for everybody. As a spectrum, picture a colour wheel - every pixel is another representation. The following traits can be interpreted and experienced in so many different ways in infinite configurations.
The most common traits of autism:
High sensory sensitivity (hypersensitivity) or low sensory sensitivity (hyposensitivity)
Difficulty interpreting verbal and non-verbal language
Needs some form of consistency (routine, planning, no surprises)
Special interests
Stimming
Meltdowns and shutdowns
Anxiety
Autism can also present with:
Echolalia (repeating words and phrases from other people)
Non-verbal or limited speech
Anxiety
Hypersensitivity
Sensitivity to light, may prefer hunting in the dark, struggles with too much movement in vision
Cannot block out background noise, gets overwhelmed with too much noise
Intense smells
Diet may be restricted due to texture/taste of certain prey
Low pain threshold, touching is uncomfortable or painful, sensitive to grooming
Hyposensitivity
May be quite clumsy, finds it difficult to judge distances, may have visual problems
May have hearing problems, enjoys loud noises, struggles to hear very light sounds
Struggles to smell some odours or no sense of smell at all, may not detect prey-scents nearby
Prey may taste the same or very similar, may have pica (eating or mouthing stones, sticks, dirt, plants, etc)
High pain threshold, needs more pressure to touch things (light tail-touches not registered)
Stimming
Stimming is self-stimulating behaviour, and may be done:
For enjoyment
To stimulate the body
To reduce sensory input when overwhelmed or upset
To calm down or reduce stress/anxiety
Some common stimming behaviours that cats may do:
Licking themself (rhythmic, frequent, or in a certain place)
Chasing their tail
Kneading ("making biscuits")
Chewing or nibbling on leaves or sticks
Special interests
A cat may have specific duties or special interests that they focus on. This may lead to neglecting other duties or themself. Some examples of interests include:
Preference over hunting, guard duty, border patrol, or other duties
Studying prey or a preference of prey
Collecting
Meltdowns and Shutdowns
A meltdown happens when a cat is overwhelmed. They temporarily lose control of their behaviour and may react verbally (yowling, screeching, shouting) or physically (swiping, biting, lashing out).
A shutdown can also happen when a cat is overwhelmed. They may partially or completely withdraw, not answering or speaking. This can also involve being involuntarily nonverbal, where processing and reacting to thoughts or actions seems impossible.
Support
A Clan can support their cats by finding what works for them, and being understanding. Common forms of support include:
Communication support (being clear, to-the-point with instructions)
Modify structure (routine, duties, setting boundaries, managing anxieties)
Adjustments (nest bedding, den, ensuring stimming is safe, reminders)
Breaking down duties into smaller parts
Meltdown support (give space and time, finding a safe space in the territory)
There's a lot more you can unearth about autism and apply it to warriors. I made this to help me write a cat on the autistic spectrum to explore other autistic traits and understand them better. Hopefully this guide helps others.
Happy Disability Pride Month!
- Fox