D R. B ROWN: Selective mutism. He is able to speak, but he chooses not to.
R AYMOND: Tell us more about this selective mutism, if you will.
D R. B ROWN: Of course. Let us start by defining our terms, shall we? A mute is one who cannot talk; a selective mute elects not to talk. Originally identified in 1877 as aphasia voluntaria, selective mutism presents itself most frequently in children around the age of five but can develop at any age. Over the past two decades, more and more American children have decided to stop talking. Due to the lack of funding and research for this disorder, it is a daunting task for those of us in the field to determine whether the child is simply shy, extremely shy, or if something more serious underlies the behavior-drugs administered to, or by, the mother during pregnancy; early childhood trauma; displaced hostility. One hypothesis suggests that the absence of speech results from biological deficiencies combined with psychological and social abnormalities. We may never know with absolute certainty, although future funding would help us find the answers we need to help children like Jeremy.
R AYMOND: Thank you so much for enlightening us, Dr. Brown. We appreciate your taking time out of your busy schedule. I have no more questions for the witness, Your Honor.
Prosecutor Keller is scribbling so much in his notepad that all of the rest of us, including Dr. Brown, have to wait for him to get up and take his turn. When he does stand and head for the witness box, he’s frowning, like he has no more idea than I do what the expert psychiatrist really said.
K ELLER: Hello, Dr. Brown. I have a few questions I hope you’ll help me with. I admit that I’m not familiar with Landau-Kleffner syndrome, but I’ve done a bit of research on Asperger’s and on selective mutism. Perhaps you could help us understand the nature of these tantrums you talk about. Would it be correct to say that many individuals with selective mutism-the one diagnosis you’re certain of-have tantrums?
D R. B ROWN: Of course. As I explained, there are cross symptoms with L-K, SM, Asperger’s, and autism-the focus, the mannerisms, and, yes, the occasional tantrum.
K ELLER: I see. And is temper generally associated with the tantrums?
D R. B ROWN: That’s correct. We believe that in selective mutism especially, the frustration of self-imposed silence fosters a temper, and thus the tantrums.
K ELLER: I see. And how many of these selective mutes, in a sudden burst of insanity, have murdered another person?
R AYMOND: I object!
J UDGE: Overruled.
D R. B ROWN: Well, no one that I know of.
K ELLER: No one has given in to the insanity and committed murder, in spite of himself?
D R. B ROWN: You can’t equate selective mutism or Asperger’s or autism with insanity.
K ELLER: I can’t? Ah. So let me be sure I’m understanding you correctly, Doctor. You’re saying that just because someone is selectively mute, or has Asperger’s or autism, we should not assume he is insane. Have I got that right?
D R. B ROWN: Yes, technically, but-
K ELLER: Thank you, Doctor. By the way, Dr. Brown, how long has the defendant been a patient of yours?
D R. B ROWN: What? No. He’s not my patient.
K ELLER: Oh? I’m sorry. You must have interviewed him, then?
D R. B ROWN: That’s right. I was able to meet with Jeremy Long this morning.
K ELLER: I see. For how many hours?
D R. B ROWN: Well… we had to be in court. I suppose I was with Jeremy under an hour.
K ELLER: Under an hour? And you were able to get him to tell you enough about himself to diagnose him? You must be quite an expert psychiatrist.
D R. B ROWN: He didn’t actually tell me about himself, per se, of course. By definition, selective mutes don’t answer questions. I was, however, able to observe the boy and-
K ELLER: Observe him? Like the jury is doing now? Only… for a much shorter length of time?
D R. B ROWN: Well, I wouldn’t say-
K ELLER: That’s all right, Doctor. I think I’ve gotten all the information you’re able to give. No more questions for the witness.