Role-playing scenarios for self-advocacy can be a valuable practice, helping to build confidence and ease anxiety in real-life situations.

Here are some specific examples for different contexts:

Scenario: You have difficulty focusing in open office environments due to noise sensitivity.

Role-Play Example:

* You: "Hi [Manager's Name], do you have a moment to talk about my work environment?"

* Manager: "Sure, what’s on your mind?"

* You: "I've noticed that I often struggle to concentrate in the open office due to the background noise. I was wondering if we could explore the possibility of some accommodations, like a quieter workspace or using noise-canceling headphones."

* Manager: "I understand. Let’s discuss what might work best for you."

Scenario: You’re experiencing symptoms related to hormonal changes and want to discuss concerns about menopause.

Role-Play Example:

* You: "Hi, Doctor. I’d like to discuss some symptoms I’ve been experiencing that I believe might be related to menopause."

* Doctor: "Of course. What symptoms are you noticing?"

* You: "I've been experiencing mood swings, sleep disturbances, and increased anxiety. I’d like to understand more about what’s happening and discuss potential treatment options."

* Doctor: "That’s helpful information. Let’s go through each symptom and look at some ways we can manage them."

Scenario: When managing hospital appointment and medical procedures as an autistic individual, advocating for your needs can be challenging, but it's essential to communicate effectively with medical staff. Here are some examples of phrases you could use to self-advocate:

Before the appointment:

* "Hello, I'm here for my appointment. I'm autistic, and I'd like to make you aware of a few things that might help our interaction go smoothly. For example, I might need more time to process information or prefer clear instructions."

* "I'd appreciate it if you could speak clearly and not touch me without my consent. I can get overwhelmed by touch."

During the examination or consultation:

* "I'm feeling overwhelmed by the beeping of the machines. Could we please turn them down a bit?"

* "I need a moment to process what you're saying. Could you please repeat that, and I'll take some notes?"

* "I'm having trouble with eye contact. It would be really helpful if you could speak directly to me and not around the room or at my feet."

On sensory sensitivities:

* "I'm sensitive to bright lights. Could we turn on the dimmer switch in the room?"

* "I'd like to use my headphones to block out some of the noise. May I please have them on?"

* "I need to move around. Could I please get up and walk around the room for a minute?"

And on communication:

* "I'd prefer written communication over verbal. Could we text or write notes instead of talking?"

* "I need time to think before responding. Could we take a break in our conversation for a bit?"

* "I'm not sure I understand what you're saying. Can you please explain it another way?"

On the medical procedure:

* "I'd like to know what will happen during the procedure and what I can expect."

* "I'd prefer to know if there will be any loud noises or uncomfortable sensations during the procedure."

* "I'd like to have a support person with me during the procedure. Is that okay?"

For personal space and boundaries:

* "I'd like some space right now. Could you please give me some distance?"

* "I don't want anyone touching me right now. Could you please respect my personal space?"

* "I need to take a break from social interactions. Can I have some time alone?"

Scenario: You find that attending large gatherings drains your energy and want to set boundaries with friends.

Role-Play Example:

* You: "Hey, I wanted to talk about the upcoming party."

* Friend: "Are you excited? You should come!"

* You: "I’m glad you’re excited! I want to be honest — large gatherings can be overwhelming for me, and I might need to leave early if I attend. Is it okay if I come for a little while and step out if I start feeling overwhelmed?"

* Friend: "Absolutely! Just let me know if you need support or want to talk outside."

Scenario: You’re attending an event at a venue that often has overwhelming sensory inputs (bright lights, loud music).

Role-Play Example:

* You: "Hi, I’m attending the event tonight, and I wanted to check if there are accommodations for people who might be sensitive to sensory overload."

* Event Organizer: "What kind of accommodations do you need?"

* You: "I sometimes need a quieter space or dimmer lighting. Is there a designated area where I could take a break if it gets too overwhelming?"

* Event Organizer: "We can definitely arrange that. I’ll show you to a quieter area if you need it."

Scenario: You need to address your emotional needs with a partner or close friend.

Role-Play Example:

* You: "Can we talk about how we communicate with each other? I’ve been feeling overwhelmed lately."

* Partner: "Of course! How can I help?"

* You: "I appreciate that you want to support me. Sometimes, when we’re discussing something serious, I need a bit of time to process before responding. Could we try setting some guidelines for how we approach those conversations?"

* Partner: "Absolutely, I think that could help us both."

These role-play scenarios can be practiced with a trusted friend, family member, or therapist to simulate real-life situations, allowing you to feel more prepared and confident in advocating for your needs in different contexts