Studies have shown no evidence that the cause of Selective Mutism is related to abuse, neglect or trauma. What is the difference between Selective Mutism and traumatic mutism? Children who suffer from Selective Mutism speak in at least one setting and are rarely mute in all settings.
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What psychological disorder is diagnosed most often with selective mutism?
Individuals with selective mutism are also more likely to have anxiety disorders such as social phobia. Individuals with selective mutism may be excessively shy, socially isolated, and withdrawn. In some cases, selective mutism lasts only a few weeks or months.
What mental illness causes mutism?
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often. It usually starts during childhood and, if left untreated, can persist into adulthood.
Is selective mutism a mental illness?
Selective mutism (SM) is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to speak or communicate in certain settings. The condition is usually first diagnosed in childhood.
What is the root cause of selective mutism?
The cause, or causes, are unknown. Most experts believe that children with the condition inherit a tendency to be anxious and inhibited. Most children with selective mutism have some form of extreme social fear (phobia). Parents often think that the child is choosing not to speak.
What happens in the brain with selective mutism?
Brain Studies Studies show that children with selective mutism have a low threshold of excitability in a portion of their brain called the amygdala, which explains most of the behavioral issues these children exhibit. The amygdala senses potential danger by processing signals from the sympathetic nervous system.
What does untreated selective mutism look like?
You avoid social situations due to anxiety If left untreated, selective mutism may lead you to completely avoid social situations with people you don’t know well. The anxiety of leaving your comfort zone might feel like too much to overcome.
Is selective mutism special needs?
It’s not a learning disability, although it may co-exist with one. Selective mutism is also not a speech or language disorder, or mental illness. It tends to run in families who have members with anxiety disorders, shyness, or even Selective mutism itself.
Can you have selective mutism without autism?
Another misconception is that a child with selective mutism is controlling or manipulative, or has autism. There’s no relationship between selective mutism and autism, although a child may have both.
What happens if selective mutism is left untreated?
Left untreated, Selective Mutism may lead to increased stress within family units, decreased academic performance, and decreased socialization needed for appropriate development.
How do you fix selective mutism?
Treatment of selective mutism can involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication, though psychotherapy is generally the first recommendation. Some children with selective mutism have a co-occurring speech and language disorder.
Can you grow out of selective mutism?
Most children with selective mutism outgrow the disorder spontaneously, while individuals with social phobia do not outgrow the disorder.
What selective mutism feels like?
Selective mutism is not the result of defiance or disobedience. Instead, people with selective mutism feel unable to speak due to intense anxiety and shyness. They may fear others judging, ridiculing, or ignoring them. The condition has no single cause.
Is selective mutism an autistic trait?
Some professionals falsely view selective mutism as a form of autism or a learning disability. Children with learning disabilities or autism may demonstrate symptoms of the disorder, but selective mutism is not commensurate to an autism or learning disability diagnosis.
How long does it take to overcome selective mutism?
Unlike fast-acting anti-anxiety medications, SSRIs take several weeks to work, and help children become less inhibited and more able to participate in therapy over the long-term. Kids may be required to take them for up to 9-12 months so that they experience the full benefit.
What percentage of the world has selective mutism?
Less than 1 % of the population has selective mutism. Girls and boys are both likely to develop this disorder. Symptoms usually appear before the age of five but may become discernable at the beginning of school. Children with selective mutism often have another anxiety disorder, most often a social anxiety disorder.
Is selective mutism related to ADHD?
Selective mutism and autism are the two conditions more appropriately associated with restricted speech, even though ADHD symptoms may mimic these illnesses.
Does selective mutism run in families?
Who is at risk for selective mutism? A family history of the condition may increase your child’s risk. Your child may also be more likely to show signs of selective mutism if anxiety disorders run in your family. A traumatic event may increase the risk, too.
Are there different types of selective mutism?
The most common “types” of classifications you will hear of include: Elective Mutism: A person chooses not to speak as a result of psychological issues. Selective Mutism: A person wants to speak, but in certain circumstances finds that they can’t. Total Mutism: A person doesn’t speak under any circumstance.
What is the best therapy for selective mutism?
The most research-supported treatment for selective mutism is behavioral and cognitive behavioral therapy. Behavioral therapy approaches, including gradual exposures, contingency management, successive approximations/ shaping, and stimulus fading, are successful in the treatment of childhood anxiety.
Is selective mutism hard to treat?
Selective mutism is a treatable anxiety disorder that affects an individual’s ability to speak up in certain social settings. In addition to being able to diagnose an individual with selective mutism, a treating professional can recommend a personalized plan for treatment and see it through.
How do you test for selective mutism?
Testing for Selective Mutism A speech-language pathologist, or SLP, can test your child’s speech and language. These experts may work with your family and your child’s teacher if there are problems at school. Speech and language testing may include: Talking with you about your child’s development and medical history.
What does mild selective mutism look like?
Watch for these signs of selective mutism: Rigid, “stiff as a board” body posture. Expressionless, flat or “deer in headlights” face. Slow to respond in a social situation. Clinginess with parents when entering into social settings.
How do you encourage a selective mute to talk?
- Ensure that your child feels valued and secure.
- Try to reduce embarrassment or anger about your child’s behaviour.
- Educate family and friends about the nature of your child’s difficulties.
- Build confidence by focusing on your child’s achievements.
Do people with selective mutism have friends?
Children with selective mutism were found to have difficulty making friends but were able to keep friendships once made. Additionally, fear of joining conversations was reported for almost all children.