Silent in school for 8 years, Nigel Ng now helps others with selective mutism

Having lost voice after rebukes for being noisy, he now helps others with selective mutism

Mr Nigel Ng holding his book Silence Is Not Golden, with his mother Janet Wong, father Frederick Ng and his brothers Norman and Nicholas (with glasses). He attributes his recovery mainly to therapy and a strong support system at home and in secondary
Mr Nigel Ng holding his book Silence Is Not Golden, with his mother Janet Wong, father Frederick Ng and his brothers Norman and Nicholas (with glasses). He attributes his recovery mainly to therapy and a strong support system at home and in secondary school.ST PHOTO: SYAMIL SAPARI
Social Affairs Correspondent
  • Updated
    Oct 12, 2018, 9:32 am
  • Published
    Oct 7, 2018, 5:00 am SGT
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For eight years from Primary 3 to Secondary 4, Nigel Ng did not speak a word to his classmates in school.

After being scolded and punished by his teachers for talking too much or too loudly in class in Primary 2, he began to believe that talking was an unpardonable offence.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Sunday Times on October 07, 2018, with the headline 'Silent in school for eight years'. Print Edition | Subscribe
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