...yes
This is a great example of how
not to use a character trait.
Just because you mention clips, clops, and gestures, and italicize her words doesn't make her really seem mute.
Sign language is VERY different from "normal" English, and that's something you need to make abundantly clear, or it just sounds like the character is speaking while making gestures.
I mean, look at how Furling talks.
Anyways, characters don't have to have a disability to have gone through trauma in the past.
I'm spewing bullstuff.