There's likely an impairment in the brain that blocks the ability for the child to speak. I'm sure there's multiple medical reasons as to why.. much like, why does one not develop object constance? I don't think there's a singular reason, and sometimes it's near impossible to ever get that information.. so you take what you know or realize and find ways to work with it and/or around it.

For example, it could be very possible my partner struggles with this. So for me, it's good to be aware that such things even exist and learn strategies that help with this piece. It's not a putdown.. it's a reality that how a person manages their emotions may not be typical. So what do we do? We try different methods.

I don't like labels, either, and do also think it serves a positive function. Unfortunately, it can also be perceived as something negative.