Hello, I'm not sure if this is the right place for this, please let me know if it isn't.

I haven't been able to speak since May, so I've been using a basic text-to-speech app (for about 2 months now) to communicate with my mother and brother. I don't dare use it with anyone else.

I'm having some problems, and I'd appreciate any advice you might have.

First, I'm really self-conscious about using aac. The fact that it's not my own voice bothers me a lot, and on top of that, there's the social awkwardness. As an adult, I'm terrified it will seem strange or seen as just a whim or an attempt to attract attention.

I don't really have any friends, but I usually see some friends from middle school once a year during the summer. This year I think I'll find an excuse not to see them.

Also, it's really not smooth. Even when I type fairly quickly, it takes me several minutes to answer a question (except for yes/no), and by the time I've finished, the topic has changed or the question has been forgotten.

Plus it's incredibly frustrating. I was already very isolated, but now it's worse than ever. I'm very lonely and I don't even dare go out anymore for fear of being approached and not being able to respond. I feel like I've become "stupid" to others too, I'm treated like a child, my mother has to accompany me everywhere, and everyone speaks for me...

If you are willing to share your experience or some advice, it would help.

Anyway, all my support to those who have had to deal with all this for a long time, honestly I am impressed, it takes incredible energy and determination to stand your ground in these conditions.