Presentations, Meetings & Performance Anxiety
Summary
Autistic adults 18+: 90% avoid speaking from anxiety/sensory overwhelm. Talk system: script templates (80% pre-written), visual aids, structured practice. Goal: 5-min presentations without meltdown, master interviews in 90 days. 4-week ladder (mirror → video → trusted → live).
Key Points
- Foundation: 1-min start, add 1min/week; 6 skills (eye 3-sec, volume, pace 130-150/min, pause 2-3sec, answer, "don't know"); 90% mastery; 10x.
- Scripts: 1-min (name, role, skill, goal); 3-min (topic, 3 points); 5-min (3 ideas/examples); interview (90sec, strengths, weakness/learning, why, 2 questions).
- Ladder: Wk1 (mirror 10x); Wk2 (video); Wk3 (1-2 trusted); Wk4 (live 5-min). 50% anxiety drop.
- Anxiety: 2hrs (protein, water, 4-4-4); 1hr (test, walk, quiet 15min, power 2min); during (fidget, water, pause, exit); after (quiet, debrief).
- Escalate for: Panic practice (racing heart/breathing - mental health); chest pain/fainting/dissociation (emergency); severe persisting (CBT/meds); freezing (psychiatrist).
Autistic adults avoid approximately 90% of speaking opportunities due to anxiety, sensory overwhelm, and processing speed concerns. This guide builds a "talk system": script templates, visual aids, and structured practice. Goal: Deliver 5-minute presentations without meltdown, master job interviews within 90 days, and build sustainable public speaking confidence.
Access Full Guide — sign up for free
No credit card required. Always free to join.
Note: This topic becomes more complex over time. Advanced Guides Coming Soon.
