Bathrobe Gal
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bathrobegal.bsky.social
Bathrobe Gal
@bathrobegal.bsky.social
490 followers 430 following 220 posts
Hi, it's Bathrobe Gal! I draw comics about my adventures as an adult-diagnosed #autistic woman, writer, and chronic bathrobe-wearer. Mainly on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bathrobe_gal
https://bathrobegal.com/
(My real name is Sarah Jane.)
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bathrobegal.bsky.social
Bathrobe Gal @bathrobegal.bsky.social · Dec 28
Meet Bathrobe Gal, my webcomic about my adventures as an adult-diagnosed #autistic woman, writer and chronic bathrobe-wearer. I hope you enjoy my little drawings :)
Comic strip - Graphic 1: Bathrobe Gal stands smiling in her blue bathrobe. "HI I'm a gal who feels too much. At Age 33, I was diagnosed as autistic." Graphic 2: " Bathrobe Gal (wearing her blue bathrobe) lies down a field of flowers with a small doggie perched on her stomach. "I'm almost always wearing a bathrobe. (at home - safe space). This is a comic about what it feels like to be me."
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Stores are hell, but I love pretty dresses. And cake. Mom was always my protector/ally/warrior:
Comic Titled: “Mom & Me Preparing for Back-to-School Shopping” Graphic: Mom holds up two metal shields; handing one to bathrobe gal, she says, “Arm yourself, Bathrobe Gal! We’re going to the mall!”Graphic: Bathrobe Gal, raising a sword, replies, “Okay!”
September 8, 2025 at 12:33 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
#autistic
bathrobegal.bsky.social Bathrobe Gal @bathrobegal.bsky.social · Aug 27
Are your clothes also special? Is it hard for you to find textures, colors, or a fit that is comfortable for you?
Graphic Titled “When My Clothes Wear Out”: Bathrobe Gal kneels surrounded by candles and clutches a pink dress, saying “Dearly Beloved, for these past 10 years you have been my loyal companion, protected me against the elements…and other humans, comforted me, held me, been…a…true..friend…”
August 27, 2025 at 12:30 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Are your clothes also special? Is it hard for you to find textures, colors, or a fit that is comfortable for you?
Graphic Titled “When My Clothes Wear Out”: Bathrobe Gal kneels surrounded by candles and clutches a pink dress, saying “Dearly Beloved, for these past 10 years you have been my loyal companion, protected me against the elements…and other humans, comforted me, held me, been…a…true..friend…”
August 27, 2025 at 12:26 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
My need for quiet:

#autistic
When things get to be too much, which is often, I need quiet. Sometimes for a shorter while. Other times, for a very long while, until the too-muchness of the world that has gotten inside of me calms. When I shut down, when I go wordless, when I have to go hide for a while, it's okay. That's me healing.
August 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
When something bad happens and someone says, "It's okay." / When someone says it's okay and it's NOT okay.

That's just confusing! Instead, ppl please try saying what you actually mean :)

#autistic
Graphic: Bathrobe Gal frowns holding a pan of burned food, “saying Oh no! I wrecked dinner! It's completely burned." Sweet Guy tries to comfort her: "Oh, sweetheart, it's okay." Graphic: Bathrobe Gal is weeping, saying, “Actually, the dinner is inedible. I wasted all that food. Now we don’t have anything to eat. I don’t see how it can be okay.” Graphic: Bathrobe Gal is weeping, saying, “Actually, the dinner is inedible. I wasted all that food. Now we don’t have anything to eat. I don’t see how it can be okay.”
July 3, 2025 at 12:54 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
I’ve missed a lot of social cues along the way. This is one of those moments you look back on with understanding 1/7
#autistic
“In high school, I felt the need to carry all of my text books with me all day. I think it gave me a sense of security.” Graphic: Bathrobe Gal is weighted down by her huge backpack.
June 16, 2025 at 3:28 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
💖❤️❤️ It used to be so hard for me to talk about things. It still can be. Thank you for making space for me and for sharing yourselves with me. Love.

#autistic
Reasons IT CAN Be Hard to talk about MY Pain & Difficulties -I learned to hide my perceived weaknesses to stay safe & get by in an often hostile society -I fear I’ll hurt people I love by burdening them - Fear that the pain/struggle will become overbearing & I won’t be able to manage anymore if I acknowledge it fully -Fear that other people will devalue my existence as lesser -Fear of being misunderstood -I feel the need to be a light REALITIES OF TALKING ABOUT MY PAIN & DIFFICULTIES - I can help others - It can allow me to connect more deeply with others, deepening relationships - It can help me feel less alone, even if it can also sometimes feel paradoxically lonely to share - There are times I am misunderstood or rejected - I can focus on the people who do try to understand and make space for me. Those are my people. - I don’t have to share everything to be honest or feel seen. I don’t have to articulate everything perfectly. - It’s often worth it to take the risk when I’m safe and able to
June 6, 2025 at 12:39 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
A funny thing that happened on a rare occasion when I made myself go to the store (instead of ordering grocery delivery).
#autistic
Graphic: Bathrobe Gal stands holding a bunch of Bananas, her eyes going wide as she notices a display full of large, round objects with bright purple question marks on them. Text reads: "I ran out of bananas, which meant I had to go to the store. Just bananas - nothing else! I could do this. But then something caught my eye..." Text: "The next thing I knew, I was growling aloud at a box of seltzers, because the flavor I like was at the bottom..." Graphic: Bathrobe Gal crouches close to the floor, her arms full of groceries, as she attempts to dislodge a box of seltzer at the bottom of the stack. "Grarrrr," she says. A smiling woman approaches, saying "Need help?" Graphic: The smiling woman hands Bathrobe Gal the box of seltzer labeled "Yum". "Thanks," says Bathrobe Gal. The smiling woman says "You've got muscles, but that's a rough way to go. No cart." Bathrobe Gal, noticing a huge muscle on her own arm, says, "Woah I have muscles? Probably because I do stuff like this." Graphic: Bathrobe Gal is at the grocery checkout attempting to load too many grocery items in her arms. The checkout woman tries to stop her, saying: "You want a bag right?" Bathrobe gal, sweating, says, "Nah. I really just came here for bananas."
June 3, 2025 at 12:07 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
My sensory profile:

(I couldn't include everything, but I highly recommend taking the time to do a sensory profile on yourself or just keep a list of traits you add to when you notice them being activated.)
A diagram of Bathrobe Gal with arrows pointing to various parts of her body, indicating senses with labels: "Holds breath or covers face near bad smells." "Chews" "Touch: Sensory-seeking" "Covered in band-aids as a kid - invisible owies" "Appears shy and quiet" "tries to hold everything in" "Sound can feel harmful or painful" "Craves squeezing pressure - sash, blankets, belts" "Often lifts onto toes when happy" A diagram of Bathrobe Gal with arrows pointing to various parts of her body, indicating senses with labels: "Emotions are highly physical + lack of recognition = alexithymia" "interoception difficulties" "Dislikes sitting/standing still - bounces, sways, etc" "Comorbid GI Issues, Nausea, & Chronic Pain" "Synastehsia" "Chronic Fatigue, Dizziness" "Visual Overstimulation"
May 21, 2025 at 12:36 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Does anyone else really struggle with the constant info-stream of social media, even if you want to connect with our community here? My mind needs lots of singular focus and quiet. Instagram is easier for me because it's mostly art/pictures. (I don't really do videos - too stimulating!)

#autism
May 16, 2025 at 12:17 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Things I wish someone had said to me at particular points in my life––so I'm saying them for anyone who needs them. 💖 #autistic #neurodivergent
Graphic of Bathrobe Gal holding a giant heart. Text: "Your feelings are valid. Your experiences are valid. Your needs are valid. Your struggles are valid." Graphic of Bathrobe Gal turning toward the light and ignoring an angry person who stands yelling in the shadows. B Gal's arms are full of flowers. Text: "Only you know what it feels like to be experiencing the world as you, inside YOUR self. So don't let other people try to tell you who THEY think you are or should be." Graphic of Bathrobe Gal sitting amid giant flowers and hugging a cute dog, wearing her noise-blocking headphones and looking safe. Text: "You deserve love and care and a world where you are safe. So let's create one together."
April 30, 2025 at 10:17 AM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
All the medical stuff I can never solve and that insurance won't cover... #chronicpain
(That's the whole post.)
April 27, 2025 at 10:57 AM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Thanks to @nytopinion.nytimes.com for including my voice and combating RFK's dangerous claims:

www.nytimes.com/2025/04/24/o...

#autism #neurodivergence
Bathrobe Gal is quoted in the New York Times (as Sarah Jane Cody, her real name): “Mr. Kennedy is wrong. Autism doesn’t need a cure. Society does. Instead of seeing us as problems, society must embrace and support autistic people,” @sarahjanecody writes in a letter to The Times.
April 25, 2025 at 12:34 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Autistic humans deserve to be valued, supported, and deemed worthy for being who we are, as we are, at all levels of need. Despite what RFK wants you to believe, human value is not based on “functionality;” children are not merely a “resource” to feed the economic machine. #autism #neurodivergence
April 22, 2025 at 2:25 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Eating can just be so much effort!

#autistic #neurodivergent
I pick what to make to eat by considering which foods are currently NOT nauseating. I try to eat healthy to give my body the energy it needs. Sometimes, despite my effort, the food I made turns nauseating anyway. I have to force it down…and maybe cry a little. But at least I can eat some candy after. Candy is always good.
April 15, 2025 at 11:38 AM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Is it just me or is Tiktok a cyclone of hell? The level of visual+audio overstimulation drives me far away.
April 8, 2025 at 2:11 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
New comic about social misunderstandings, aloneness, and the preciousness of ordinary clothes:
(1/5)
#autistic
Graphic Title: A Social Misunderstanding. A Girl in Green stands facing Bathrobe Gal holding a sweater, asking “Can I borrow your sweater?” Bathrobe Gal looks alarmed.
April 7, 2025 at 1:13 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
The 'autism is a trend' idea is so typical of the media's commitment to preserving the status quo. If there are just a few of us, they can feel virtuous having sympathy for us as 'individuals with problems', but if there are a lot of us, they might have to admit that we're NOT broken... 1/
April 4, 2025 at 12:25 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Just me getting frustrated again because what the other person said makes no sense (literally). In this case, my husband suggested we could wait to do something I had already done. I asked how we could wait to do it when I just did it! What he meant was that I should UNDO it.
April 3, 2025 at 12:59 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
My mom thought it'd be cute when I was a kid to dye our milk colors for April Fool's Day. I took one sip and started bawling because it tasted like milk instead of like yummy pink magic.
April 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
So much love to you all 💖

PS I can only speak to my own experiences and don’t speak for any other autistic person. In doing so, I hope to make the world a better place.

#autistic #neurodivergent
“Today marks 3 years since my autism diagnosis. Here’s why that’s a big deal:” – Bathrobe Gal – @bathrobe_gal –aka Sarah Jane Cody “I found out I’m autistic largely by accident! That and a million other reasons are why it’s so important for me to share. It changed my life.”– Bathrobe Gal – @bathrobe_gal –aka Sarah Jane Cody “Understanding my autistic needs & challenges has led to dramatic improvements in my health, ability to care for myself, & ability to advocate for & accommodate myself in addition to positives in other aspects of my life.” – Bathrobe Gal – @bathrobe_gal –aka Sarah Jane Cody
March 31, 2025 at 1:11 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Tell me about your sensory joy. 💖

It can be really tough feeling so very much, but the immense joy I can get from sensory experiences makes me appreciate the body and brain I have.

I'm working on adding to this list of my some of my joys:

#acutallyautistic #neurodivergent
Graphic: (1.) “Sensory Joy: intense, blissful, or euphoric joy experienced due to the senses. Varies among individuals. For example… (I’ll keep adding to this list) (2.)“Sensory Joy #1: Wind feel + sound.” Bathrobe Gal smiles in a spiral of wind, her arms raised in joy. She says, “Who needs drugs? I can get high on the wind?” She thinks: “I can feel all my particles moving!” (3.) “Sensory Joy#2 Waves crashing repeatedly into me.” Bathrobe Gal stands in the crashing ocean waves. She says, “Bring it on, ocean!” (4.)“Sensory Joy #3: Soft, nice smelling things.” Bathrobe Gal lies on a giant bed of lush, green moss. She says, “Floofy moss, you are my friend.” She's thinking: “mmm inhale the earth.” (5.) “Sensory Joy #4: More soft, warm, and/or nice smelling things.” Bathrobe Gal, smiling hugely, lies with her face pressed to a dog's face. The dog thinks “So…close…” (6.) “Sensory Joy #5: The constant, stunning beauty of nature.” Bathrobe Gal stands crying watching a sunrise over mountains.
March 27, 2025 at 2:51 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Dear Brain:

Please, please, slow down. Sure, it's really cool that you can make a million connections at once & do a million things at once - amazing! - BUT! I am a human being, limited to a physical existence, in which I MUST DO ONE THING AT A TIME.

Sincerely, Bathrobe Gal.
#autistic
March 25, 2025 at 8:05 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
Look, I learned early on as a kid: when something is comforting, maximize its use.
Graphic titled "Activities Suited for My Bathrobe". Each of the following is illustrated with Bathrobe Gal performing the activity wearing her bathrobe: 1. Getting the Mail. 2. Working from Home. 3. Zoom Meetings (*in the image Bathrobe Gal has pulled her robe down so it's around her waist; it looks to the Zoom camera like she's just wearing her pink dress). 4. Cooking. 5. Poking around my flower garden. 6. Incubating. 7. Dancing in my living room. 8. Keeping super warm (*Bathobe Gal has her bathrobe on under her coat.)
March 24, 2025 at 12:55 PM
bathrobegal.bsky.social
A constant struggle:

#autistic #neurodivergent
2-Panel Comic: (1) “The part of my brain that needs structure, routine, order, and clarity…” Image of Bathrobe Gal holding a To-Do list, which reads: “B. Gal’s List: - Get up - Brush teeth - Get dressed - Wash Face - Deodorant - Eat - Organize work to-do list). (2) VERSUS: “The part of my brain that’s hyper connective, associative, non-linear, and must process every detail” Image of Bathrobe Gall looking overwhelmed, with a large thought bubble full of spiraling & interweaving lines that suggested the nature of her thought flow. Some of the thought-nodes are labeled: “faucet”, “water”, “flow state” “meaning of life” “etc.” “the concept of recursion itself” “computational irreducibility” “etc.” “tiny owls”.
March 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM