Hey! So I've been wanting to get communication cards for a little bit, I found some really cute ones on iinsidemyhead that I'm absolutely in love with! But I don't know if I should get them.
I don't have verbal shutdowns that often (well they have increased lately, or even just times when talking is difficult), I'm learning ASL (though I only know a few people who know ASL, and not all of them enough to have a full conversation), if I'm with people I feel safe with I type on my phone, I can sometimes force myself to talk, and I don't even know if people would listen to me or if I would have the guts to use them. But I really do want them, and I actually do think they would help. It can be so hard to be heard when I have to type everything out, and it takes so long (plus I just started getting acrylic nails and I really like them but it is so hard to type), and sometimes feels a bit stupid for short phrases and questions. The cards wouldn't have enough to hold a true conversation, but I could type for that and I don't always talk much anyways when I'm like that. I just think it would be easier to flip to a card for that kind of stuff.
Plus I don't know if my parents would even let me get them and use them, they don't really like me using things that makes me look weird or in my understanding "too autistic".
I don't know, I just feel bad getting them, spending the money, and possibly even taking them away from someone who really needs them if I don't really need them.
What should I do?
Hey :)
As ellasday2010 said, you can totally make your own communication cards using the same type of paper used for flahscards for example. I don't have much experience using alternative forms of communication in public, although I do "go nonverbal" sometimes.
But, I really like this app that's called "Big". It's like typing on your phone except the font is bigger, and you can "pretype" sentences to use later.
But I agree with you, these forms of communication are not known by most people and we don't have many options. However, if you need cards/apps, don't be afraid to try some solutions out, and to use what makes life easier for you. 😊
Of course, the ideal situation is being able to rest so you don't feel too overwhelmed in public to the point of going nonverbal. But that's not always easy/possible :)
Sorry if there are any mistakes, English is not my native language.
I made my own vommunication cards and keep them in my school blazer. I havent needed to use them yet, but its good to have them! Also, i sometimes write on ny hand something like giving myself a 10 word boundary for that lesson :)