Eli5 What is the difference between being “mute” and being “nonverbal”?
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There are multiple definitions of both words. They are similar, but in general, a “mute” person is incapable of speech, for any reason–it could be a physical defect (such as damage to the vocal chords) or a mental defect which prevents the brain from forming words and sending proper signals to the vocal chords to initiate speech.
A “nonverbal” person may be capable of speech but chooses–either consciously or subconsciously–not to speak. This may be the result of conditions such as autism, or someone who suffers severe mental trauma and simply refuses to speak at all. In such cases, the person is technically able to speak, and eventually, they may choose to speak, whereas a mute person simply cannot speak, no matter what (barring something like medical treatment capable of curing the mute condition).
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