I Can't Find the Words
A neurodivergent interactive communication and expression resource
There are times when someone knows that something is happening but cannot turn the experience into words. Overload, shutdown, sensory pressure, strong emotion, alexithymia, processing demands or repeated questioning can all make communication harder.
I Can't Find the Words gives users alternatives to having to immediately explain themselves. The interactive guide offers simple feeling words and choices, space for marks or sentence fragments, body-based prompts, and opportunities to explore what happened before language became difficult.
It also looks at what other people can do differently. Users can identify questions or behaviours they need to stop, what would make communication easier, and whether typing, pointing, yes/no choices, extra processing time, silence or another method is more accessible in that moment.
The final page reinforces that having no words is still meaningful communication and includes a tailored message from Maggie, practical communication phrases and further reading.
Part of the Neurodivergent expression series in the Space to Breathe Therapy Support Hub.
