Autistica: Break the Cycle - Frustrated

More than 6 in 10 people detained in mental health units are autistic. Many are misunderstood and do not receive proper care, causing them to experience more autistic meltdowns. Some won't get better. Others leave only to return.


The campaign is made up of hard-hitting illustrations by autistic artist Lury Araujo Nascimento Lira de Medeiros of Lightfarm Studios. Drawing on the first-hand experiences of autistic people based on the Autistica Insights Group, words such as frustrated, afraid, and misunderstood are displayed on posters to emphasise the emotions autistic people have felt when detained. In the background of the images are scraps from old asylum papers to highlight the archaic practices and lack of progress.