I can't talk right now. I'm still here.

Words aren't available. Please don't ask for speech or an explanation.

I need space. Please step back.

Move back without negotiating. A check-in can wait.

This is too much.

Too many words, sounds, people, or decisions. Reduce input. Don't problem-solve yet.

I can't do this one. It's not that I won't.

Can't is real here. A consequence won't create the ability.

I'm in shutdown. I'm not ignoring you.

This is freeze. Demands at zero. Quiet presence only.

A meltdown is building. The pressure needs to drop.

Drop the demand now, even a reasonable one. Safety over finishing.

I'm okay, just quiet.

Believe this. No quiz, and no 'are you sure?'

I've been acting fine, and I'm running out.

Don't ask them to keep it together for other people. A private exit helps.

My body thinks this is danger.

Soft voice. Still body. No sudden touch. One line is enough: you're safe, there's no rush.

I'm not ready to switch yet.

Transitions are demands. Wait, or offer a bridge. Don't invent a countdown in the moment.

This is my alarm, not attitude.

Name the nervous system, not a motive. The lecture can wait, or skip it.

I need an exit from this place or this plan.

Help them leave. No debrief in the doorway.

Please don't watch me do it.

Being observed can make it impossible. Look away, or leave the room.

Please use fewer words.

One sentence, then stop. Don't rephrase the same demand.

Please ask, or offer a choice, instead of telling me.

Swap the instruction for a real choice, or 'it's there if you want it.'

Please don't talk through the plan.

The schedule speech is a demand. If info is needed, write it down and leave it.

Please don't touch me.

Hands off, including comforting pats, unless they ask.

Please lower your voice.

Volume is pain, not rudeness. Match a calm quiet.

I need time. Please wait.

Silence is working, not refusal. Don't fill it.

Please don't ask questions right now.

Questions are demands. A statement, or nothing, is easier.

Please write it down instead of telling me.

A note they can read alone respects autonomy. Don't stand there and wait for an answer.

Please give me words I could use.

Offer a short script they can use or reject. Don't make them invent language while flooded.

I can try if I do it my way.

The method matters more than the 'right' way. Control is what makes it possible.

It might be possible if it's play, pretend, or silly.

Humor and novelty lower the alarm. Don't turn the game into a new rule.

I need to choose when.

Timing they own is often the difference between can and can't.

I might do one tiny piece. That's the whole try.

Don't escalate to the full task, and don't praise them into continuing.

Timers and 'hurry' shut me down.

Hide the clock. Urgency language lands as a threat.

The usual way makes my brain refuse. I need a new angle.

Change the route, tool, place, or role. Sameness can be the block.

Side by side is easier than face to face.

Sit alongside. Talking about a character is often easier than talking at them.

I'll start if I'm allowed to stop.

Mean it. If they stop, the deal holds.

Tell me the facts, then let me decide.

Information lowers threat. A decision made for them raises it.

Can you start it, so I can join?

Starting is the hard part. If you begin, they may follow. Don't hand it straight back.

I need water.

A drink placed nearby is easier than a string of questions.

I need food.

Low fuel makes every demand harder. Offer something easy. Skip the preference quiz if they're gone.

I need to move my body.

Pacing, jumping, or fidgeting is regulation, not rudeness.

I need a quiet place.

Help them get there without a conversation about it.

The lights are too much.

Dim them, look away from glare, or offer shade.

I need air. Outside if I can.

A door and a step out. No agenda attached.

I need the bathroom.

Don't add questions. Make the path easy.

My temperature feels wrong.

Layers, a window, or a move. Sensory first, behavior talk later or never.

I want firm pressure, because I asked.

A tight hug, heavy blanket, or squeeze. Stop the moment they signal.

Soft only. Please don't squeeze.

Light contact, or none. Firm touch is too much right now.

I need to rest. Not as a reward. As a need.

Low input, lying down is fine. Don't attach it to finishing something.

Something hurts.

Don't guess with a pile of questions. One option, or wait.

It's too loud.

Cut sound if you can. Ear defenders aren't rude.

I'm anxious. The alarm is on. I'm not being difficult.

Soothe the nervous system before the task. The behavior is the anxiety.

I'm angry at the trap of it.

You don't have to fix it or defend yourself this second. Give room.

I'm sad.

Company without questions can be enough.

I want to, and I can't. Both are true.

Don't pick a side. Believing both lowers the fight.

I don't understand what's being asked.

Fewer steps. Show one piece. Don't add more words.