Difficulty Speaking in Social Situations

Yes, I do this all the time! I’m recognizing that I need to have alternative forms of communication because it can be really exhausting to work so hard to make yourself verbalize and still not get it out. Growing up and living in a society that prioritizes verbal communication can make it seem like we “should” just be able to get it out. But we should actually have other options for sharing our thoughts when our mouths aren’t able to! For me, this has led to a big idea that what I have to say isn’t worth listening to, because it can take me forever to speak. But when I start typing, I can say a whole bunch of important things! It’s all about having that accessible option, because it can make a huge difference in letting people contribute their ideas and thoughts.

I get the same way, particularly when I'm feeling overwhelmed. I fight for the words to come out, but they just won't come.

being nonverbal isn't binary, it's a spectrum. some autistic people never speak, some never have this issue, and a lot of us go nonverbal in times of high stress or when exposed to triggers. hope this helps.