Communication Support Pack
Three pages to keep nearby when speech, decisions, or a full explanation feel out of reach.
Page 1: A communication card
A starting version
I’m overloaded and speaking is difficult right now.
I can:
- Read a message
- Reply by text
- Answer yes or no questions
What helps:
- Use fewer words
- Wait for me to start again
- Please do not touch me
Make it yours
You might write: “I need quiet for ten minutes.” Or: “Please text me the next step.” The useful version is the one you can show without explaining it first.
My opening line
I can
What helps
Page 2: For the person supporting me
Start here
You do not need to get speech back. Make the next minute easier to get through.
Keep the demand low
Use one short question, or offer a simple choice. Let a pause be a pause. A delayed response is not an invitation to ask again.
Ask before touch
Even caring touch can add pressure. Ask first, or give space if asking would add another demand.
Offer another way
Text, a note, a thumbs up or down, and more time can all be enough. Say what will happen next in plain language.
A useful check-in
“Would text, quiet, or more time help?”
Page 3: Plan for the return
Keep the card where you can reach it
Phone photos, a wallet, a bag, or a note pinned to a lock screen can all work. Pick one place before you need it.
Where I’ll keep it
Tell a few people what it means
Choose the people who are likely to be there. You can share the card itself, or one sentence about what helps.
People I want to tell
Come back to the conversation later
When there is more room, name what helped and what you want next time. There is no need to solve the whole situation at once.
What helped this time
A sentence I want to use when I’m ready