Purpose 🎯
Practice communicating needs, boundaries, and accommodation requests.
Let’s Talk About It 🗣️
Use the structure:
When: “When ___ happens…”
Impact: “It makes it difficult for me to ___…”
Need: “What would help is ___…”
Request: “Would it be possible to ___?”
Practice situations such as:
- Asking for written instructions
- Requesting a quieter environment
- Asking for additional processing time
- Declining unwanted touch
- Requesting a transition warning
- Explaining a communication preference
Ask:
- What need is hardest to communicate?
- What words feel natural to you?
- Who would benefit from understanding this request?
If the Conversation Gets Stuck 💡
- What do you wish others understood?
- What would make the request feel safer?
- Could the request be written instead of spoken?
Telehealth / Whiteboard Version ⚖️
Create a script template and fill in several versions together. Practice choosing words that sound authentic to the client.
Why This Works 🌱
Script-building reduces communication pressure and gives clients practical language for asking for support, expressing boundaries, and advocating for accommodations.
Clinical Pearl 🧠
Self-advocacy does not require the client to over-explain or justify every need. Clear, respectful requests can be enough.
Documentation Language 📝
Therapist utilized a self-advocacy intervention to support client in identifying needs, developing accommodation requests, and practicing communication scripts.
Clinical Focus: Self-Advocacy, Boundary Setting, Accommodation Requests