We need to understand more about how we relate to other people and why these relationships break down or never get established..

It could be the effect of a stifling parent not giving their child room to develop. This could cause the child to look inwards and be cut off from  the world. Elective mutism occurs when the child chooses not to speak. They can build up an inner world that they can immerse themselves in.

Prolonged withdrawal may lead to more complex conditions resulting in mental illness.

In some cases autism can be overcome with a right sense of encouragement and positive attitude on all sides.