I definitely relate to this so much, you’re not alone. I was always the quiet growing up and even bullied for not saying much

sounds like selective mutism, just know that this is a very common disorder and you’re definitely not on your own<3

😥 Ah yes, selective mutism. It often occurs for me when I am met with someone who might be intimidating in any way, even if they are the same sex as me. I'd suggest typing out your message if you have a notepad app on your phone. I did have spoken for a little bit but deleted it because I felt like it would just set me back a step in communication. I'm also autistic, on top of that I have ADHD and bipolar (not sure what type, as they promptly diagnosed me with that) and I work as an EVS technician. Basically a glorified janitor. I have a pager and a phone on me for the job. Most people on the second shift for the nurses and stuff use the phone. It's usually a one way communication, they tell me something about the room number and status of the room, if it needs to be cleaned, turnover, or such. Sometimes it's just deliveries. Yes, I'm also an enby working in OB. Ironically I'm also AFAB. I find it difficult for me when there's something I'm trying to finish, like a room, and then I get called to do an OR. Knowing your priorities is key when it gets busy. Hopefully you don't have a job as busy, but it is fulfilling for me. Knowing that I protect the mothers, or birthing persons, and their family. I've considered trying to learn sign language just in case I end up completely immobilized by fear or something else like that that could make me mute. Best of luck to you.

If it helps it doesn't make you any less of a person or harder to communicate with it's just learning to bridge the gap My partner doesn't speak much and I speak too much so I make up all the extra talk by accident via anxiety or info dumping but he gives me that much needed peace area not constantly full of sound and words And my second daughter doesn't really speak even though she is old enough to she is on her way for an autism diagnosis and same as sometimes my oldest couldn't speak for about 3 years after learning a good chunk of words at home half the time we used sign language as her not speaking was something that I had to force words in I just needed to find a way to understand And if it's finding words me and my oldest stumble right over words so we stick our tongue out and take a breathe and try again She is due her first assessment for autism and ADHD next month I added way too much info here lol 😂 but basically people will find a way to bridge the communication gap and be happy accepting you as you are ❤️ I prefer quieter people due to awful levels of sound sensitivity