–> For weekly self-care tips and inspiration, don’t miss the e-newsletter signup at the bottom of this page!
What is Splat?
Splat is a system of communication for people with chronic illnesses, mental health diagnoses, and other hidden disabilities. Our conditions are often a “moving target,” meaning we never know how we’re going to feel from one day to the next. The one certainty is:
Every day, we feel like we’ve been run over by something.
Talking Splat is saying how we feel based on what that “something” is. The Splat Scale range goes from moped Splatus to asteroid Splatus.
Splat isn’t just a way to communicate. It also spreads awareness, manages expectations, and helps us establish an actual routine … at last! How? Start by printing out the Impact Map from this page. Then browse the rest of the resources.
Read “What’s ‘Splat’ Compared to the Spoon Theory?”
Watch the little movie.
Get the books.
Talking Splat: Communicating About Our Hidden Disabilities
Discover the 6 reasons we must communicate and what you can do to eliminate stigma. Access the 12 Splat tips to dramatically improve your relationships and self-care. Learn some powerful communication secrets straight from stand-up comedy. Plus, get unique coping techniques and loads of inspiration, all in a fast and fun read.
$3.99 e-book | $8.99 paperback
Splatvocate: Supporting People with Hidden Disabilities
Talking Splat‘s sequel is for partners / coworkers / friends / siblings / leaders / pedicurists (or whoever YOU are) of people who have chronic illnesses, chronic pain, cognitive impairments, or mental health diagnoses. Get tips and tricks for communication and cooperation and solve that “What can I do?” mystery with this breezy, conversational guide.
BUY ON AMAZON
$3.99 e-book | $8.99 paperback
Splactivity Book: Self-Care and Carefree Distractions for Adults With Hidden Disabilities
The Splactivity Book features all of Splat’s unique tools to maintain routines, increase productivity, avoid triggers, relieve stress, create self-care routines, and guide others in allyship. Also included are uplifting journalling reflections and fun activities: cut-out crafts, connect-the-dots, coloring pages, and word puzzles. Splactivity Book is truly packed with self-care and carefree distractions!
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Browse the store.
Get your own Splat bracelet at www.SplattieStore.com. Styles include chakra beads, Christian, fibromyalgia awareness, and more! Change the pendants to indicate your daily Splatus. Use the diffuser lava beads for your essential oils. Each bracelet comes with 7 pendants and a mini booklet to help you use this tool to its fullest.
Download free tools.
IMPACT MAP
Finally, there’s a way to be able to establish—and keep—an actual routine even when you have no idea how you’re going to feel from one day to the next. Use this tool to reclaim your life and get back on track with your goals. From here on out, there are no more excuses. Also, there’s no more feeling guilty about what you can’t control.
SPLATVOCATE MAP
Build this communication tool with your parter/parent/bestie/roomie, whoever your number one Splatvocate is. It’s a precise and easy way for you to get the help you want and need, while your partner no longer feels confused and helpless. Talk about a win-win!
SPLAT CUBE
Up for some arts and crafts? Here’s a tool you can make yourself. It’s easy! The Splat Cube is a 1½-inch desktop (or wherever) “signal” that you can display to let others know, and to remind yourself, how you’re feeling each day by showing the day’s Splatus. This is a great way to support your Impact Map. Instructions are on the print-out, or watch the video:
VEHICLE MEMES
Use these images in your social media and messaging apps to show what Splatus you’re at each day. (They download best if you open the image first.)
Glean some self-care tips and inspiration.
You might enjoy these articles from Christina’s blog:
-
- There is a “Yes” Inside You
- Editing Memories
- Advance Information Checklist for People with Disabilities and Their Allies
- Try a Smile Day
- 4 Ways I Do It Anyway (When Pain and Fatigue Conspire Against Me)
- New Impact Map for “Daily Resolves” <—-MORE DOWNLOADABLE TOOLS!
- I Just Made a “Reset Box”: What’s Inside
- 11 Things I Do at Bedtime That Make Life a Little Better
- Mantra Checkpoints for Impossible Days
- Weathering Your Epic Storm … on a Ship
- A 3-Spot Check-In
- Using “Little Things” to Keep Up with Life
- Documinitary: Disabled Dog Teaches Her Favorite Coping Skill … on an Epic Adventure
- (#) Things Since (Terrible Thing)
- Get Out of the Gallery and Into the Studio
- What’s Your Purpose?
- My 3-Item “Reset Mantra” When Legit Trying is Too Hard
- Just Be Your Body’s Friend
- Invisible Illness as an Excuse?
- 11 Things to Do When Feeling Utterly Morose (That Are Zero Help, but Whatever)
- “Mapping” Your Way to Routines and Care
- 16 Reasons Why People with Fibromyalgia Actually Make Great Friends (or *More*!)
- Art with Disability
- A Day in the Food Of (and
other reflections on intuition and self-care) - You Need a Splatquake Kit!
- Getting Past Our “Can’t Dos”
- 8 Ideas to Amplify Healing
- Refresh Your Hardships with a “First Day of School”
- The Struggle to Feel Pretty with Chronic Illness and Chronic Pain
- Stop Feeling Guilty for What You Can’t Do
- Travels with Chronic Illness, Chronic Pain, and Amica
- Start, Drive, and Be Done
- Save the Best for Now
- What’s in the Wash: Chronic Illness and Showering
- What My Aging Dog Just Taught Me About “No Going Back”
- 4 Ways I Reset My Optimism During a Flare
- Travel Planning Necessity for People with Chronic Illnesses: The Return
- What Has Your Disability Done for You Lately?
- Is That Swall? (Explaining the Pain of Digestive Disorders)
- Remember the Cycle
As seen on The Mighty! A highly recommended site for Splatties and Splatvocates.
See the live program.
Splat creator Christina Irene presents a variety of programs on hidden disabilities. These fun, educational, and inspirational sessions have gotten rave reviews from corporate, student, faculty, and community audiences—in person and online. Check out the different offerings, read what people are saying, and see some for yourself on the webpage: Hidden Disabilities Programs.
Who is Christina Irene? 
Christina Irene teaches hidden disabilities awareness and wellness to school, corporate, and community audiences around the world. She’s also lured abroad for architecture, food, and opera; and domestically for the natural wonders of beloved America. Writing is her lifelong passion: poetry, fiction, travel memoirs, and her stand-up comedy act.
Get the newsletter!
Just sign up here, and you’ll get a Splat-related, “lighter than a freight train” little email every week. [It’ll come from Gmail address SplattieSplatvocateWeekly.]