When children are silent, relatives, friends, and other contacts often find it difficult to understand the closed world of those affected. They feel helpless in the face of the silence and sudden outbursts of anger. The search for professional advice is often accompanied by an odyssey through medical institutions. Kamala Kiby provides insight into the perception and emotional world of mutists by describing her own experiences. For her, mutism is not just a communication problem for those affected, but also a problem of understanding for society. Where does an individual's character end and treatable deficits begin? "Mutism is not a terrible illness," she writes today, reflecting on her own experiences and the realization that solutions exist. Kamala's mother also shares her perspective.