Just Autistic Things...

Paperbacks should be $1 and hardcovers should be $2

I actually used my AAC in public today for the first time. I know this might not sound like much to some people, but when I have speaking issues and end up nonverbal or having a verbal communication issue (I don’t know what to call it without people getting mad at me) I normally just stop talking all together and isolate myself. This AAC really helped me so much today and I don’t feel so drained physically and mentally from work. I’m really happy so now I don’t have to go home and sleep the rest of my afternoon away, I can play a game or read!!

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Also, I don’t know what you’d call it that I have. I was nonverbal for well over 7 years and have on and off verbal issues where I can talk some days but most days I’m completely silent. Recently I’m having an episode that’s seeming to last about 4 days.

literally obsessed with the design of blobjects

I want to talk about using AAC in public. This post wont have much about my personal experiences, it'll mostly be tips for AAC users using AAC in public. This post also is specifically referring to high tech AAC, not things like communication cards.

1. Being prepared is very important to successful communication in public (In general too, but in public especially!). This means making sure that your AAC device is charged and ready to use. It is also helpful to have a backup AAC in case your device malfunctions or runs out of battery. For example, you might have a printed version of your communication board, or maybe a backup app on your phone. This has been helpful for me a few times, I personally use the second option of having a backup app on my phone.

2. Prepare to probably have to repeat yourself if in a louder environment. You might need to turn up your devices volume or repeat yourself in noisy or crowded environments. It can be helpful to use headphones or earbuds to hear your device better in loud environments, I have personally never done this, but I think if you are only talking to one person, using wireless bluetooth earbuds from your device to them should work. If this doesn't work for you, and full volume still isnt loud enough, having the person you are speaking to view your message window might be helpful.

3. Be patient. Communication using AAC can take longer than oral speech. Becoming frustrated is perfectly understandable, and I become frustrated with my device taking longer sometimes too, but if you try your best to be patient with yourself, you'll likely be able to express and communicate better.

4. Use visual aids! Visual aids can be helpful for communicating as a nonspeaking person in public. For example, if you are trying to order food at a restaurant, you might use a picture of the item you want to order.

5. It is important to advocate for yourself and your communication needs. This might mean informing others of your communication needs and asking for accommodations. For example, you might ask for a quieter table at a restaurant so your device is more audible, or perhaps acsess to a charger in case it dies.

6. Practice. This tip isnt exclusive to using AAC publically, but it is really helpful for doing so. If you are learning another language, practicing will make you more efficient and fluent. The same goes for AAC! Practicing will mean you can find buttons easier, and therefore communicate faster.

7. This one.. isnt a tip. I just wanted to say that people WILL stare, and be confused, but that you are amazing, and your device is amazing. Don't be embarrassed of using AAC.

just because my aac device is a phone, doesn't mean it is any less crucial that i have it with me.

just because you understand what it is like to have your phone die. and understand that you've lost access to important text and call communication, as well as photos, bank stuff, social media etc, does NOT mean you get to say you know what it's like when my phone dies.

yeah, your phone has emotional and functional significance to you,

🌹but this is my fucking voice.

“glued to his phone” “so much screen time” "get off your phone and have a real conversation for once"

🌹this is my voice.

I am getting myself those “big-ass” headphones today and I am so excited I can’t stop happy flapping because I finally will be able to attend class regularly with them on! EEEEEEk- I even am going to put ocean themed stickers on them since that’s my huge special interest right now SPECIFICALLY BALEEN WHALES OMG IM SO EXCITED 

awetistic things {80}

don’t be embarrassed or afraid to make life easier for yourself :

- cut your hair if the texture sets you off or if it’s too much to take care of

- get that shower chair or that wheelchair or some big-ass headphones

- don’t shower every day

- order takeout if your too tired to make food yourself

- take yourself out of situations if they’re overwhelming

- do online school instead of in person

to take allistics’ words “this is your life, do what you want with no apologies”

And finally we meet Lune!!! :D She seems nice, and fabulous!

Edit later: I’m on mobile so I’ll fix links and stuff like that later!

Nothing better than a good old post midnight meltdown because you're too afraid that you're not going to get enough sleep tomorrow cuz someone's forcing you to wake up early for physical activity and today's one of two days in a week that you actually can get solid sleep and even if you sleep for a decent amount of time (the bare minimum) you'll still feel ridiculously tired because your sleep quality has been shit the entire week etc. etc. etc.

I was a low verbal autistic kid that used plushies to communicate with people, and boy howdy did teachers/adults in general not like that past a certain age. Jokes on u fukkos, cool people absolutely adore seeing plushies just hangin out

my identity doesn’t have to make sense to you. when I have the energy, I don’t mind explaining, but at the end of the day it doesn’t actually matter if you understand or not. all that matters is that you accept me and respect me for who I am