Would this be a really weird thing to do ?

[JustcantTalk]

I have selective mutism . Would it be strange to print out a couple of small cards saying this so that if I get into difficulty I can just hand it to someone ? Would you think it was weird ?
im so anxious going anywhere and I wonder if this would help me? I have ASD and ADHD too so I get very overwhelmed.

Personally, that would help me if there was a situation where I had to talk to you. I could try to think of an alternative way to communicate, such as writing things down. I think it’s a good idea.

I think it's a good idea too.

I think that would be a very good idea.

Tell people what you'd need to help?

Yes, I made something similar for my DC (for a different condition) and we find it helpful.

Yes it's a good idea 🙂 people can work around it.

Its a great idea.

Thanks. I’m going to do it then. I literally can’t predict when it’ll happen but when it does I feel like the part of my mind that turns thoughts into words/speech has disintegrated and I cannot get any sound out

Not weird at all, a very sensible practical solution.

I think that's a good plan. There might even already exist something like that you could just download and print - have a Google, and look on relevant charities and support organisations websites. It might work well alongside carrying a notepad and pen, and showing people that you have those things in your hand ready to communicate with them.

It’s been making me want to not go anywhere but I need to go out and find a way to plan for it happening

Sounds fine to me, my son is selective mute and people assume he is deaf or can't speak English

A notebook is a really good idea Thankyou

stickmancommunications.co.uk/product/non-verbal-card/

It’s awful isn’t it . I get completely frozen and just can’t speak then I go bright red as have a severe blushing problem too . I’ve felt lately like I want to just avoid all possible situations where it might happen as worry what people will think but that made me think actually if I printed a card out then they will hopefully understand.

I think people are always puzzled when they meet me if we’ve had contact via text or email prior to that as it’s like 2 different people as I can’t talk in person and struggle on the phone too but have no issue writing

I work in a customer facing role and I wouldn't find it strange at all, it would help me to help you.

Thank you

stickmancommunications.co.uk/product/selective-mutism-card/

apologies this one is probably more appropriate. I just thought it might give you some ideas of what to put x

A fantastic idea! Do it.

I have a stammer which sometimes gets very bad e.g. going to hospital. I carry pen and paper. The fact that you can write things down will take some of the pressure off. I know that when I carried my young dc to a & e, it was great to have pen and paper in case I got stuck.

Agreed 👍

My DD is like this and because she is a teen people assume she is being rude which makes everything worse

I will suggest a card and notepad for her but at her age it might make her even more self conscious, she is very scared of being judged

Weird? Absolutely not. Proactive yes. It might reduce some of the stress for you but woukd alone a big help to the other person. I would be thankful to get this information,if I was interacting with you. I think advice on what to do in such circumstances would be good too.

Sorry meant to tyoe would also be a big help.

My friend is very sociable but has lost speech after a stroke. he has a card saying this and saying he loves it when people chat to him. It works.

Absolutely! You can use them uf it feels appropriate
Do you have a sunflower lanyard? My DD has one with a printed badge with her issues on too (ASD, overwhelming, masking/muting when overwhelmed) she also gets dizzy and floppy when overwhelmed too which can be quite distracting for others but more overwhelming for her as she hates attention
Good luck 🥰