How to use it
- Pick a message, or write your own. Choose a colour that's easy to see.
- When you need it, open this page and tap Show full screen. Turn the screen to the person.
- Tap the card, or press Escape, to close it.
Agree on the card with a teacher, family or your boss in advance, so they know what it means and what to do. Add this page to your home screen so it's one tap away.
Why it works
Some autistic people who usually speak can lose speech for a while when they're stressed or overloaded. An NHS autism service says "this is not a choice. It is a body response", and suggests pen and paper, pictures or a phone instead (Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust (opens in a new tab)). Autism charities say a shutdown can mean "going quiet or being unable to speak" (Ambitious about Autism (opens in a new tab)).
A review for speaking autistic adults describes showing pre-written text or communication cards as a way to communicate when speech isn't available (Zisk & Dalton, 2019 (opens in a new tab)). It draws mostly on autistic people's own accounts rather than trials, so a break card is a recognised practice, not a proven treatment.
When to use it
- When talking is too hard: overload, a shutdown, panic.
- In class, at work or out, when you need to leave the room without explaining.
- For anyone who finds it easier to show than to say.
More tools
Not medical advice. This is a wellbeing tool, not a treatment. If things feel heavy, talk to someone.