Communication Access Crisis Support – Global
A gentle support page for people who may need crisis help in a different communication format — including text, chat, writing things down, AAC, visuals, Easy Read, plain language, support people, relay services, or extra processing time.
If there is immediate danger
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, at risk of serious harm, medically unsafe, or unable to stay safe, contact local emergency services now.
- New Zealand: 111
- Australia: 000
- United States / Canada: 911
- UK: 999 or 112
- Europe: 112
Gentle reminder
Needing a different way to communicate does not make your crisis less real. Text, AAC, writing, gestures, visuals, support people, or delayed responses are valid ways to ask for help.
Quick pathways
Choose the option that best fits what is happening right now.
I need help without a phone call
Use text, chat, webchat, email, written notes, or ask someone trusted to help communicate.
Open text/chat supportI need support adapted to disability or access needs
Use accessibility-specific support if standard crisis support is too fast, too verbal, too loud, or not accessible.
Open accessibility supportI am overwhelmed, shut down, or cannot explain
Use neurodivergent crisis pathways for shutdown, meltdown, sensory overload, burnout, or communication loss.
Open ND crisis supportSearch & filter communication support
Use this section to quickly find the communication support pathway that fits your situation.
AAC, visuals, and symbols
Support for people who use communication devices, picture boards, symbol cards, typing, gestures, or visual choices.
Open non-speaking supportText, chat, and non-phone options
Support for people who cannot use phone calls safely or comfortably during crisis.
Open text/chat supportPlain language and Easy Read
Support should be clear, simple, step-by-step, and not full of confusing words during crisis.
Using a support person
A trusted person can help explain needs, write messages, stay nearby, or support communication with services.
Communication during sensory overwhelm
Speech and processing can become harder when someone is overloaded, panicking, shut down, or overwhelmed.
Open sensory supportFind help by location
Use the location hub for emergency numbers, crisis teams, helplines, and country-specific support.
Open location hubCommunication access needs during crisis
In crisis, people may lose speech, struggle to process questions, need extra time, become overwhelmed by noise, or find phone calls impossible. Support should adapt to the person, not force the person to communicate in one narrow way.
Text is valid
Typing, texting, chat, or written notes can be easier than speaking.
AAC is valid
Communication devices, picture boards, symbols, and gestures should be respected.
Silence is not refusal
Someone may be processing, frozen, shut down, or unable to speak.
Time helps
Extra processing time can reduce panic and improve understanding.
Communication tools that may help
These tools can help someone communicate needs more safely during distress, overload, shutdown, or crisis.
| Tool or method | How it can help | Example use |
|---|---|---|
| Text or webchat | Allows support without needing a phone call. | “I need help but cannot talk out loud.” |
| AAC device or app | Supports people who use typed, symbol, or device-based communication. | Use prepared crisis buttons or typed messages. |
| Written note | Can explain needs quickly when speech is hard. | “Please speak slowly. I need time.” |
| Support person | Can help explain needs, advocate, or stay nearby. | “This person helps me communicate.” |
| Plain language | Reduces confusion and processing load. | Use short steps and one question at a time. |
| Visual choices | Can help when verbal answers are too hard. | Pointing to “yes”, “no”, “pain”, “safe”, or “need quiet”. |
Helpful reminder
If you use AAC, communication cards, written notes, or a support person, it can help to keep a short crisis message saved somewhere easy to find.
Communication access by country / region
Some crisis services offer text, chat, relay, webchat, or other non-phone options. Availability can change, so always check the official service page for the most current details.
New Zealand
In an emergency, call 111. For mental health support, 1737 can be called or texted within New Zealand, which may help when speaking out loud feels too hard.
Australia
In an emergency, call 000. Some Australian crisis and support services offer phone, text, or online chat options depending on the service.
United States
In an emergency, call 911. The 988 Lifeline offers call, text, chat, and access options for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing people.
Canada
In an emergency, call 911. Some Canadian crisis pathways may include phone, text, or chat options depending on the service and region.
United Kingdom
In an emergency, call 999 or 112. Some UK support services offer text, webchat, or non-phone pathways for people who cannot call.
Ireland
In an emergency, call 112 or 999. Some Irish crisis services may offer text or online support options for people who find phone calls difficult.
Europe
In many European countries, 112 is the emergency number. Check your country’s local crisis services for chat, text, relay, or accessible communication options.
International / worldwide
If you are outside these countries, use the location hub to look for local text, chat, phone, or accessible support options.
Open location hubIf phone support is not accessible
Look for text, chat, relay, webchat, email, interpreter, Easy Read, or support-person options. If you are in immediate danger and cannot speak, use the safest emergency contact method available.
Simple crisis scripts
You can copy, save, print, or adapt these scripts for yourself or someone you support.
If you cannot speak
“I need help. I cannot speak clearly right now. Please let me type, write, point, or use AAC.”
If phone calls are not possible
“I need crisis support, but I cannot use a phone call. Please give me text, chat, email, or written options.”
If you need processing time
“Please ask one question at a time. I need extra time to answer.”
If you need a support person
“This person helps me communicate. Please include them unless I say otherwise.”
For family, carers, support people, and professionals
Communication access can make crisis support safer, calmer, and more respectful. It can also reduce fear, shutdown, escalation, and misunderstanding.
What helps
- Ask how the person communicates best.
- Offer text, writing, AAC, visuals, or gestures.
- Use one question at a time.
- Give extra processing time.
What to avoid
- Do not demand eye contact.
- Do not assume silence means refusal.
- Do not talk over the person.
- Do not remove AAC or communication tools.
When urgent help is needed
If someone cannot stay safe, may harm themselves or someone else, is medically unsafe, or is in immediate danger, use emergency or crisis support immediately.
Where to go next
This page connects into the wider Aspie Answers crisis support structure.
Trauma-Informed Neurodivergent Crisis Support
For calmer, safer, consent-aware, dignity-focused support.
Open trauma-informed supportNon-Speaking / Low-Speaking Crisis Support
For people who may use AAC, typing, symbols, gestures, or support people.
Open non-speaking supportShutdown & Meltdown Crisis Support
For crisis moments involving loss of speech, overwhelm, panic, shutdown, or meltdown.
Open shutdown/meltdown supportText / Chat Crisis Support
For non-phone support pathways and lower-pressure ways to reach out.
Open text/chat supportAccessibility-Specific Crisis Support
For crisis support adapted around disability, sensory, communication, and access needs.
Open accessibility supportSupport & Directories Hub
For ongoing support, organisations, services, groups, and non-urgent contacts.
Open support directories