• Replies 6 replies
  • Subscribers 80 subscribers
  • Views 1497 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

Non verbal communication/selective mutism

Poppy
  1. hi, does anyone struggle with verbal communication which comes and goes depending on current stress factors, situations, people etc? 
  2. Im currently unable to speak at all which hasnt happenened since childhood. I have just downloaded a text-speech app which will cover the basics but its still pretty miserable and frustrating going out and hoping nobody speaks to me as itll just be awkward and problematic!
  3. p
  4. x

  • HI! yeah i completely get that, i recently went non verbal in class and its better to find other ways to communicate in case you go non verbal. I'm working on communication cards right now

  • in reply to Ausomely Autistic

    Yes I have, thanks 

  • in reply to Poppy

    Yes I know, it is very upsetting to not be able to speak when you want to. Would engaging in autistic self care help reduce stress? I am sorry if my suggestions are not helpful but we are for you on this forum if you just want to explain how you feel.

    Hopefully this period of mutism will pass soon.

  • in reply to Ausomely Autistic

    Also I forgot to answer the first question, occasionally I experience shutdown when stressed and cannot speak.

  • in reply to Ausomely Autistic

    Yes I have an app and a card but still that doesn't make it any less stressful or reduce the anxiety...I want to speak so flashing my autism card and trying to type a response instead of talking isnt so nice..yes it gets me out the situation but still not ideal

  • Hello, periods of going non speaking  are very common for us as autistic people. You are not alone.

    It must be very frustrating and upsetting for you currently. Mutism as a stress response is your autistic brain’s way of telling you that you need to reduce demands. Be kind to yourself and keep your environment as low arousal as possible and hopefully your speech will come back quicker.

    You say that going out is problematic, do you have an I am autistic card? If you use this card you can quickly tell members of the public that you are currently non speaking and that you may need more time to compose answers to questions.

    https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/resources/downloads/i-am-autistic

     I have this app, do you use the same one?


    https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/text-to-speech/id712104788

    I hope this helps.