Further Information

Menstruation communication cards for autistic girls are not just an explanation of the menstrual cycle, but also a communication tool during menstruation! Imagine a girl who might have abdominal pain or needs to change her menstrual product – if she is nonverbal or feels too shy to talk about it, she can use the card as a means of communication.

1. Pregnancy card – This card will provide a simple explanation of why women menstruate. The uterus will be compared to a little house for a baby, and the uterine lining to a soft blanket.

2. Underwear with blood card – This card will explain how menstruation will likely surprise the girl the first time it happens. It will also serve as a communication tool in case of an accident.

3. Menstrual cycle card – This card will show that menstruation follows a time-based cycle. It will also work as a communicator to indicate that the girl has gotten her period or that it is delayed.

4, 5, 6. Menstrual product cards – These will serve as a simple explanation and visual presentation of menstrual products, how to use them, and also as a communicator to express which product the girl needs.

7. Toilet card – This will explain why it’s important to change menstrual products regularly, and also serve as a communicator to show that the girl needs to change her product, or to inform her that it should be changed.

8, 9. Menstrual symptoms cards – Cards about symptoms like abdominal cramps and breast tenderness will provide explanations and also act as communicators if the girl is in pain and needs help.

10. Shower card – This will explain the importance of hygiene during menstruation and can also be used by the girl to ask for help, or by a caregiver to communicate that hygiene needs to be addressed.

11. Body changes communication card

12. Mood card – I want to redesign this into a triangle of facial expressions to help girls understand that mood swings before and during menstruation are normal and that moods can shift suddenly. It can also be used to show that they feel sad or angry and need help, or just want to be alone.

13. Increased cravings card – This card will help girls understand that strong cravings, like for sweets, are natural. (I'm currently redesigning this card.) At the same time, it will include illustrations and mention the importance of healthy eating, as food also affects menstrual symptoms like cramps. It can also serve as a communicator regarding food and cravings.

The communication cards will primarily be in Icelandic, for which I have a translator (I'm currently in the process of learning Icelandic myself:)

These pictures are just an examples how it will looks like in reality.

Adam Dereszkiewicz
Graphic, Designer, Photographer (IG: artadder)

Finall design of the cards (full scope)
Online content
Printing

Katarzyna Ewa Zukow-Tapioles
Psychologist and sexologist

Activist, feminist and also Birth Photographer (http://kasiatapioles.com)

Sára Messner
Creator of the Communication Cards
Owner of educational website http://lunavibe.is and in near future also e-shop with menstrual products.

Activist, feminist, mom of autistic boy.