Many autistic adults lose speech for a while: the words are in their head but don't come out, or speaking takes more energy than they have. It can happen during a meltdown, shutdown or burnout, or only in certain situations, like talking to strangers or using the phone. Some autistic adults have never relied on speech.
How people use Dawn
Phrases for when you're overloaded. Write them ahead of time and keep them in the Phrases tab: "I need to leave." "Too loud." "I can hear you, I just can't talk."
Typing. A large keyboard with word suggestions, spoken in a voice you pick. You can type anything that isn't on the board or in your saved phrases.
Symbols. The symbol board keeps each word in the same place, so you can find "help", "stop" or "home" without spelling them.
Showing the message. Dawn can show your message full screen, so you can hold up the phone instead of playing it out loud.
Privacy and settings
Dawn has no account and doesn't upload what you say. It works without a signal. Lock Settings stops a stray tap from changing anything, and words on the board stay where you put them.
Starting out
- Try a few voices and pick one you're comfortable with.
- Save a few messages you might need during a shutdown.
- Use it somewhere low-pressure first, so the first time isn't during a shutdown.
- Show one or two people you trust how it works, and ask them to wait while you type.
Our guide on talking with someone who uses AAC is written for friends, family and coworkers, if you want something to send them.