Asking for clarification at work
“I want to make sure I understood correctly. Could you explain the next step in more detail?”
Explore tonenConversation support built for autistic adults
Conversation scripts for real situations. Tone guidance. Example conversations. Built for the moments when you know what you want to say but cannot find the right words under pressure.
Free to start. Optional Premium. iPhone only.
Support for the communication preferences that work for you
If you prefer direct language, time to process or written follow-up, you can ask for those things. Communication is shared: the other person can clarify, slow down or use a different format too. A script is optional support, not a requirement to hide how you communicate.
tonen gives you conversation scripts organised by situation, so you are not starting from scratch every time.
What tonen helps with
Preparing for difficult conversations
Know exactly what you want to say before a meeting, a difficult message, or a conversation you have been avoiding.
Understanding what someone meant
Perspective Helper offers possible interpretations. Ask the person when the meaning matters; no tool can know their intention.
Putting a boundary into words
Find wording that sets a clear boundary without over-explaining or apologising more than you need to.
Asking for what you need at work
Scripts for requesting support, clarifying instructions, or flagging when workload is unmanageable.
Declining plans or requests
Say no to social invitations, extra work, or requests that cross your limits — with wording that feels right.
Regulating when conversations go wrong
The Calm Kit gives you grounding tools for moments of overload before, during, or after a hard interaction.
Example wording to adapt
Examples written for this page. Adapt them to your situation; they are not exact app catalogue entries.
Setting a limit with a colleague
“I am not able to take on additional tasks right now. Can we revisit this when my current work is finished?”
Explore tonenDeclining a social invitation
“Thank you for thinking of me. I am not able to come this time — I hope you have a good time.”
Explore tonenAsking for processing time
“I need a little time to think this through before I respond. Can I come back to you later today?”
Explore tonenExplaining a communication preference
“I find it easier to follow up in writing after a verbal conversation. Would that work for you?”
Explore tonenLeaving a conversation that is overwhelming
“I need to step away from this for now. I will come back to it when I am ready.”
Explore tonenWhy autistic adults use tonen
Keep one opening line and one clarification question ready
Read through scripts and example conversations before the real moment
Perspective Helper offers possible interpretations without assuming what someone meant
Start with the free tools
Start with 21 free scripts, Box Breathing, 5-4-3-2-1 Grounding and one free use each of Reply Helper, Perspective Helper and Debrief. Premium adds the full script library, Phone Call Mode, Body Scan, Safe Place and 50 requests per week shared across the three Helpers.
Available for iPhone. Scripts and available Calm exercises work offline; Helpers need internet.