Hi!
I’m autistic (diagnosed) and we (I + partner) think my partner is too(undiagnosed). From time to time, when my partner get overstimulated, they go non-verbal.
It is something that does not happen very often(the non-verbal bit) so they feel a bit unsure how to handle it. Especially as I am the first person who has been accepting of them going non-verbal.
I have never experienced it myself, but I want to help them feel more comfortable. I have no issue with them going non verbal, but they can get frustrated about going non verbal.
Do you have any advice for them and/or me?
Thank you in advance
For general public interactions: Find a place that prints business cards and order some with something along the lines of “I stop being able to speak when overstimulated. Please give me some time. Sorry for the inconvenience.” printed on them. Being able to pull one from a pocket instead of struggling to explain while unable to speak should make it less stressful.
That could be a good idea. I’ll see how they feel about it.