Speech really hard.

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I'm finding talking exhausting and very hard. When I speak, I feel like I'm trying to run backwards through treacle. I get my words mixed up and fumbled too.

It's got to the point where I'm considering using alternative forms of communication.

What is your advice?

I live in supported housing with people who have no clue about autism. And these people love talking.

I don't have issues with speech myself other than mild stuttering (which does get bad enough sometimes that I decide speaking is too much work, but generally is not a big issue). However, I know there are people on here who are verbal, but will use AAC successfully for those times when they are having difficulty speaking. There are iPad/iPhone apps for speech generation where you can either type words or select pictures, and I know that one autistic actually wrote his own speech generation software (I think it was called JTalk, created by this guy) for use when he was having difficulty speaking. If you have a device that can support AAC software (tablet or smartphone is probably best, but laptop would work as well), then I highly recommend you give it a try. Not sure how to deal with unsupportive staff- maybe someone else on here has better advice.

Thanks. That's a really good idea I'll look into the software for my smartphone.

I am verbal, but when I speak enough I often use the incorrect object for what I was planning to say, sometimes completely unrelated...end up having to mentally word search.

>uses a few signs, need to learn other ones

Being around people who love talking when you're having trouble talking sounds really discouraging. I would think you need people to slow done and wait for you to think things into words. The technology may help. But being surrounded by a sea of words might be something you just sometimes need a break from?

Thanks. Unfortunately it's hard for me to get away from these people.

Thanks. Unfortunately it's hard for me to get away from these people.

I have thought about using tech as a talking alternative - since i will prolly always be
mostly nonverbal. That sucks getting pinned down like that. i can still get away with
sobbing when people are overbearing on me.

I hope the technology will help you.

Thanks. I get social hell here (I'm in supported housing for people with mental health problems). The carer often tries to enforce conversation on me. I should be moving out in a few months.

Yes, I wondered about the housing but didn't want to irritate you if you had to live there. I hope whereever you go, they understand more and do better for you.

Thanks.