Why do people talk to me so harshly just because I can’t speak?

I’m nonverbal. I struggle to speak, and most days I communicate by typing, gestures, or just sitting quietly. I need to vent because this really hurts and I don’t know if it’s just me being sensitive, or if people actually talk to me harshly.

Sometimes people act frustrated with me like I’m being difficult on purpose. They rush me, raise their voices, sigh, or use sharp words when I can’t respond fast enough. And here’s the thing, I can’t just jump in and explain myself. I can’t defend or clarify like someone who can talk normally. So all of that frustration just lands on me. I feel it. I always feel it.

I keep asking myself: am I overthinking it, or do people really treat me this way because I’m nonverbal? Because it takes me longer to communicate? Because they don’t understand how much effort it takes just to respond? I honestly don’t know anymore, and it’s exhausting.

What stings the most is knowing that if I could speak, some of this wouldn’t happen. The tone would change. The impatience would vanish. Not because I’m different but because people treat speaking people with more patience... I REALLY SOMETIMES FEEL VERY BAD...