I use the term situationally nonspeaking for myself, because sometimes I just cannot get words out. Sometimes I can still think, write, and understand words, so I don't think nonverbal makes sense. But at times I freeze, and cannot think or understand words either.
That said, I agree it is a very different experience than being nonspeaking, and using AAC full time. I've been trying to do a lot more reading, listening, and following to continue to grow and understand better other people's experiences. I appreciate everything you share.
I think the use of “situationally” in your situation helps tremendously. Like the addition of that one word feels like it’s a whole different experience now.
This poster made an entire comic strip that explained their reasoning for using “nonspeaking” period. And why it wasn’t nonverbal. There was a lot in that post with only a few comic slides, lol. And I think that’s where they got a lot of pushback.
Oh no, I meant that the way you described yourself and experience feels vastly differently than what this person was saying about theirs. Sorry for the confusion!
I’ve seen a few low support needs / level 1 autistics / neurodiversity advocates say they are “level 3” and “semi verbal” Recently. IMO they’re doing that intentionally to center themselves in discussions about level 2/3 autistics.
I am not one to doubt people’s “classification” (can’t find better term at the moment), but for many I have come across, the vibe I am getting, having been interacting with them in some capacity for quite some time, feels like they are doing everything they can to ensure they are being centered and heard because they now feel that others are now being listened to more. For many, it felt like they now feel excluded. This isn’t all people but for many I have known for a little while, I wonder about the shift in their messaging, how they speak about themselves and their struggles. They really feel like they are losing something because others have entered the chat. That’s unfortunate to me. I hope we can find a way where everyone fits. And we can help each other.
I found a group that centers level 2/3 autistics (how they identify on that page). They feel like they’ve been run out of the chat completely by the lower support needs autistics online. I don’t think higher support needs autistics are being centered online. It is unfortunate, as I find their perspectives to be very interesting too.
I use the term situationally nonspeaking for myself, because sometimes I just cannot get words out. Sometimes I can still think, write, and understand words, so I don't think nonverbal makes sense. But at times I freeze, and cannot think or understand words either.
That said, I agree it is a very different experience than being nonspeaking, and using AAC full time. I've been trying to do a lot more reading, listening, and following to continue to grow and understand better other people's experiences. I appreciate everything you share.
I think the use of “situationally” in your situation helps tremendously. Like the addition of that one word feels like it’s a whole different experience now.
This poster made an entire comic strip that explained their reasoning for using “nonspeaking” period. And why it wasn’t nonverbal. There was a lot in that post with only a few comic slides, lol. And I think that’s where they got a lot of pushback.
Oh! Wow! Okay, I misunderstood and thought you meant saying sitautionally nonspeaking was incorrect.
Yeah, I would never just say 'nonspeaking,' for me. 100% emphasis on *situationally*. Because even if it happens often, that is still not the same.
Oh no, I meant that the way you described yourself and experience feels vastly differently than what this person was saying about theirs. Sorry for the confusion!
No worries. I fully understand you now. Im just surprised someone would use that when it is not their true experience. Thats wild. I agree with you
I’m interested in reading the comments too, if you care to divulge the post
Let me find it.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CzB9Qb5t0_B/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
I’ve seen a few low support needs / level 1 autistics / neurodiversity advocates say they are “level 3” and “semi verbal” Recently. IMO they’re doing that intentionally to center themselves in discussions about level 2/3 autistics.
I am not one to doubt people’s “classification” (can’t find better term at the moment), but for many I have come across, the vibe I am getting, having been interacting with them in some capacity for quite some time, feels like they are doing everything they can to ensure they are being centered and heard because they now feel that others are now being listened to more. For many, it felt like they now feel excluded. This isn’t all people but for many I have known for a little while, I wonder about the shift in their messaging, how they speak about themselves and their struggles. They really feel like they are losing something because others have entered the chat. That’s unfortunate to me. I hope we can find a way where everyone fits. And we can help each other.
I found a group that centers level 2/3 autistics (how they identify on that page). They feel like they’ve been run out of the chat completely by the lower support needs autistics online. I don’t think higher support needs autistics are being centered online. It is unfortunate, as I find their perspectives to be very interesting too.