mutism

Richard Littler KC, representing Ratcliffe, had told the court the teenager had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and selective mutism.

Selective mutism can start at any age but most often begins in early childhood between the ages of two and four.

The girl already experienced anxiety and selective mutism, which made her unable to scream out or call for help during the attack, according to the suit.

When Daisy-Mae was growing up her family thought she was just shy, but her crippling silence around strangers was actually selective mutism.

Researchers also noted that PAG lesions, in particular, case mutism in humans — indicating the essential role the area plays in vocal communication.