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Monday, 20 December 2010 15:52

Cases of Extreme Privation - Skuse (1984): Mary & Louise

Written by Laura Saunders
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Mary and Louise were sisters who were tied to a bed with dog leads and had blankets put over them to prevent them from making noise. They were found when Louise was 3.5 years old and Mary was 2.5 years.

When they were discovered they had no real speech and very little evidence of play. They showed no real interest in humans exept to scamper up to them, sniff them and make grunting noises like animals. They both sucked on dummies and there had been no attempt to toilet train them, therefore they were both in nappies.

Social workers found that the girls mother was mentally ill and showed signs of schizophrenia. Both girls were taken into care, where Louise developed normal language and went on to attend primary school. Mary on the other hand never developed language skills and was moved to a school for autistic children.

Last modified on Thursday, 12 May 2011 15:10

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Laura Saunders

Laura Saunders

Hi, I am currently an Alevel student, studying psychology, if you would like any help or have any comments/feedback on my articles, email me at golden_cross_04@hotmail.com and I will do my best to get back to you. :) x

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