Selective mutism is not just a childhood affliction. I've experienced it as an adult and it's very traumatic. It's like my mind conjures up the worst scenarios for the future and they are so horrible that I'm left speechless. Since I've been doing ACT it doesn't happen to me anymore. But it did occur before and it caused me to lose at least a couple of good jobs. Now with ACT I don't get caught up in my mind's "doom and gloom" scenarios as much.