Nonspeaking, Losing Speech, and Selective Mutism

Society often centers “mouth words,” meaning spoken language produced out loud, and treats other communication styles as less valid. When someone does not communicate this way, they can face stigma, loss of autonomy, and infantilization. Harmful treatment can occur even from trained providers, such as speaking about a person as if they are not present or assuming they cannot understand. People may not use mouth words for different reasons, and those reasons are often misunderstood. Nonspeaking individuals may use sign language, written language, or communication boards. “Nonspeaking” is preferred over “nonverbal” because it is more affirming. Losing speech differs from being nonspeaking because speech may be available at other times, such as during overstimulation or burnout.

"There are many valid ways to communicate, but our society tends to emphasize “mouth words,” or words spoken out loud using our mouths. When someone does not communicate this way, they often face stigma, denied autonomy, and infantilization as a result. Unfortunately, even trained providers commit these harmful behaviors, such as talking about a client like they aren't there or like they can't understand, just because the client does not speak out loud the way we expect."

"There are different reasons why someone might not use mouth words, and many people do not understand these differences. Learn more about different reasons why someone might not use mouth words and how to support and communicate with people with different communication needs."

"Someone who is nonspeaking does not use mouth words to communicate. They may make noises and articulate words, but they tend not to have conversations out loud the way that neurotypical society expects. Some use terms like non-oral or minimally speaking. Someone who is nonspeaking may use sign language, written language, or a communication board to express themselves."

"Losing speech is different from being nonspeaking because someone who loses speech has the ability to use mouth words at other times. For example, some autistic people report losing the ability to speak out loud during times of overstimulation or during episodes of burnout. Losing speech is not the same as simply choosing to be quiet."

Read at Psychology Today