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Struggling to speak in new situations/with new people - different from mutism

sphynx

Hi everyone, 

I notice that when in group situations, new situations, or meeting new people, I often really struggle to speak. I don't think it's mutism though - I do speak, just very little, and I really struggle to know what to say. I sometimes notice it with friends too, despite being with comfortable with words/language/verbal communication in other contexts. It feels like I've only recently started to make the link between this experience and being Autistic, and I'm a little worried as I hope to start training as a therapist in a few months and would hate for this to happen with clients. 

I've almost never scripted, as (despite how scary it can be) I prefer to feel that conversations are happening 'organically' - and also I would probably be very thrown if I prepared a thorough script or even just a structural outline only to have the interaction go in a different direction from what I've planned. Wondering if anyone has thoughts on any of this, or strategies for dealing with it? Thanks in advance :)  

Parents

  • I just wanted to say how helpful I have found this thread. As I have spent most of my life (48) not knowing I could be autistic and being so baffled to what is making me almost shut down in some social situations and finding it so challenging to keep a conversation going, reading these posts has been incredibly reassuring. 

    I have never heard of the term situational mutism before, but it certainly has helped me make sense as to why I sometimes struggle to talk, so thank you. The post mentioning a stim with pressure on thumbs is something I've always done and do, I just hide it behind my back. Which leads to comments oh that's a very regal pose you are doing. 

    I've not really found a way to overcome my struggles with conversations, it still makes me anxious, my son is five and has a number of parties coming up which I do dread. I had a tip from a therapist who said I should tell myself now it is time for everyone to listen to me, no idea if this will work! 

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  • I just wanted to say how helpful I have found this thread. As I have spent most of my life (48) not knowing I could be autistic and being so baffled to what is making me almost shut down in some social situations and finding it so challenging to keep a conversation going, reading these posts has been incredibly reassuring. 

    I have never heard of the term situational mutism before, but it certainly has helped me make sense as to why I sometimes struggle to talk, so thank you. The post mentioning a stim with pressure on thumbs is something I've always done and do, I just hide it behind my back. Which leads to comments oh that's a very regal pose you are doing. 

    I've not really found a way to overcome my struggles with conversations, it still makes me anxious, my son is five and has a number of parties coming up which I do dread. I had a tip from a therapist who said I should tell myself now it is time for everyone to listen to me, no idea if this will work! 

Children
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