Trouble with communication

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Hey guys,

I've been having a difficult time recently trying to explain something to my NT friends and family... I'm hoping someone can give advice or at least relate to my experiences.

Some days when I'm on medication that sedates me (benadryl, my stomach medication, cold medications, etc.) over stressed or when I get too over stimulated among other things it becomes physically difficult to talk, sometimes it's almost impossible to even make a noise. Sometimes acknowledging that someone is talking to me and that I'm listening even becomes difficult. I find it hard to function in multiple areas- As an example, if I have an allergic reaction and have to take benadryl while out, I find it difficult to walk around the mall, stay alert, acknowledge that someone is talking and that I've heard them, and then to give an answer. Quite often it comes out as a mumble, then as more of a shout like I'm frustrated and snapping at them, when in reality it's just extremely difficult physically to even make noise, and mentally to form the right words and sentence structure (sometimes I've been able to write full and coherent sentences, just not speak them, other times not so much) and people take offense and take this personally even though I've explained to them SEVERAL times about this and that sometimes I just can't properly function... ESPECIALLY when on a sedating medication. So when I take meds I warn them, and when it's from stress or overload etc. I try to tell them, too. People still get insulted and act like I'm being mean to them and like they think they did something wrong (other than expect me to properly function all the time)

Has anyone ever dealt with this, and/ or could someone give me some advice? I'm in the middle of making a bracelet that I can flip, a green side that says "Ok to talk" and a red side that says "please leave me alone" so they know to expect it if they choose to bother me when it's on the red side.. But until it's complete (and so I can explain to new people) I'd like to try to find an explanation that will suit the NT population other than "It's not you, I'm autistic and you know about this already" since that's not working.

Thanks for reading this if you've gotten through it, I hope it makes sense.

You could always just make up a few index or business card notes saying whatever you want to communicate. "Thank you for attempting communication, but I'm not here right now, please leave a message." or "Its not you, its me, now leave me alone" depending how cheeky you are.

I lose the ability to talk when I'm very overwhelmed. I don't have trouble with family, as they are aware, but I do have a card for when I'm at school or somewhere public that states that "Due to an Autism Spectrum Disorder, I may sometimes temporarily lose the ability to speak. Don't be concerned or offended, it is just something that happens. I may need to go sit somewhere quiet to collect myself. Just let me be and I'll come back when I'm ready." I've only had to use it once, in the emergency department while I was waiting and there were so many noises, smells, lights, movement, and I was feeling unwell. The nurse I handed it to was quite understanding.

been there done that!! !!

One of my biggest problems with this is trying to explain it to NT - Most just never get it. Some NTs even after I have explained what happens at times - still expect me to "Just say it" or are of the opinion that I am not talking because I don't want to - or I am doing it to spite them or force my will on them by devious methods.

In reality - when my voice goes away - the words form in my head as always, but get lost before they make it to the vocal cords.

Mostly I handle this by 1. Calming and smoothing situations as much as possible - 2. When that fails I will remove myself from the situation that is causing me the stress. 3. I have tried to explain this to NTs when I am calm. One of the problems I face and have no master solution for is that Many NTs are unable to wrap their minds around "Different from themselves".