• Replies 12 replies
  • Subscribers 10 subscribers
  • Views 250 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
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

Trouble Speaking

pinkchocoholic

sometimes when I get really worked up I have trouble speaking, or can't speak at all. My manager and supervisor know this and we have arranged that I can either send them messages or write down what I want to say. My parents understand this as well and wait until I'm ready to talk.

Has anyone else experienced this? Is there a easier way or something else I could do to help when I am struggling to talk?

Parents

  • Yes, that's super common - especially when you're autistic and things get overwhelming. What you're describing sounds like situational mutism or a shutdown (not full selective mutism, which is more constant). It's your brain hitting pause on verbal output because it's overloaded - sensory, emotional, whatever. Lots of folks on forums like r/AutisticAdults or Embrace Autism talk about it: "I freeze, words just vanish, even if I know what I want to say."

    You're already doing great - having backup like texting or writing is smart. That setup with your manager/supervisor? Gold. Parents waiting patiently? Even better.

    For easier ways when it hits:

    • Text-to-speech apps: Quick win. Try Speech Assistant AAC (free version's solid, cheap upgrade) - type fast, it speaks for you. Or Spoken (tap-to-talk, simple). Folks use these during shutdowns, so they don't have to force words. No fancy symbols needed - just type "need break" or whatever.

    • Pre-written notes/phrases: Keep a note on your phone with go-tos: "Overwhelmed, give me 5 min." Or laminated cards if you prefer paper. Hand 'em over - no talking required.

    • Gesture signals: A thumbs-up/down, or point to a "pause" icon you make. Some people use a red/yellow/green card system - like traffic lights - so others know your status without words.

    • Breathing or grounding first: If you can, step away, deep breaths, or squeeze something (fidget toy). It sometimes unlocks speech faster than pushing.

    It sucks in the moment, but it passes. And hey - you're not broken. You're just wired to protect yourself when noise hits.

Reply

  • Yes, that's super common - especially when you're autistic and things get overwhelming. What you're describing sounds like situational mutism or a shutdown (not full selective mutism, which is more constant). It's your brain hitting pause on verbal output because it's overloaded - sensory, emotional, whatever. Lots of folks on forums like r/AutisticAdults or Embrace Autism talk about it: "I freeze, words just vanish, even if I know what I want to say."

    You're already doing great - having backup like texting or writing is smart. That setup with your manager/supervisor? Gold. Parents waiting patiently? Even better.

    For easier ways when it hits:

    • Text-to-speech apps: Quick win. Try Speech Assistant AAC (free version's solid, cheap upgrade) - type fast, it speaks for you. Or Spoken (tap-to-talk, simple). Folks use these during shutdowns, so they don't have to force words. No fancy symbols needed - just type "need break" or whatever.

    • Pre-written notes/phrases: Keep a note on your phone with go-tos: "Overwhelmed, give me 5 min." Or laminated cards if you prefer paper. Hand 'em over - no talking required.

    • Gesture signals: A thumbs-up/down, or point to a "pause" icon you make. Some people use a red/yellow/green card system - like traffic lights - so others know your status without words.

    • Breathing or grounding first: If you can, step away, deep breaths, or squeeze something (fidget toy). It sometimes unlocks speech faster than pushing.

    It sucks in the moment, but it passes. And hey - you're not broken. You're just wired to protect yourself when noise hits.

Children
No Data