Hi mckenya,
welcome to the Apple (user-to-user) Community.
Re: "Spoken content keeps crushing my iPad whenever I try to use it"
Wondering which iPadOS 18 version is installed on your iPad. Apple Support's online article:
About iPadOS 18 Updates - Apple Support says iPadOS 18.2 is the latest version.
You can check in Settings > General > Software Updates to see if there is an update available.
If so, it is wise to back-up your iPad data first, if you wish to update your iPadOS.
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If you are already using iPadOS 18.2 on your iPad, and the issue continues:
You may want to try re-starting your iPad. (Deletes temporary files, re-establishes connections, may update recent setting changes, and often restores order when something is not working as expected.) If needed: see how to: Restart your iPad - Apple Support
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If the issue continues after updating or restarting:
You may need to check your iPad is not running out out of memory / storage space in which to do all you ask it to do: See: How to check the storage on your iPhone and iPad - Apple Support
You may need to check the Spoken Content settings in use are correct so your iPad can perform all you need to do: See: Hear iPad speak the screen, selected text, and typing feedback - Apple Support
else: if you use "VoiceOver" : Change your VoiceOver settings on iPad - Apple Support
All the best :-)