Non-verbalism

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I am curious if someone who can talk in early life can develop non-verbalism because I have been having more difficulty talking lately, especially when stressed. Where can I find more information about this because all Google gives me is "how to get your non-verbal child to speak" etc. I turned 43 a week ago. Is this Autism or is it something else?

This is absolutely a real thing, and I'm going through something similar right now. I've always had above-average language skills even to the point of being pedantic, but recently I've found that I just don't want to talk using my voice. It's so much effort, especially to respond to NTs banal comments that they throw around just for the sake of making noise. I've started going semi-verbal, in which I allow myself the choice between speaking and using text to speech on my iPad, regardless of my physical ability to make speech sounds (because I do have periods when under stress or after meltdowns where I lose my words and am unable to speak even if I want to). So far it's been wonderful for my energy levels, and I intend to continue it.

Don't feel guilty for losing your speech or even just being disinterested in talking just because you're not a kid and have a history of being fully verbal. We have to decide for ourselves what will make our lives easier.

Welcome to WP. Yes, when we are under stress, communication, especially verbal communication is the first skill set that seems to deteriorate. Some of us can get to the point where we become completely nonverbal in stressful situations. This is called selective mutism but I prefer to call it situational mutism because that describes it better. When I am under stress, my vocal communication declines and becomes slurred or very toddler like or both and sometimes I completely lose the ability to speak at all. My comprehension and processing skills often times deteriorate as well.