What is an example of mutism?

Children with traumatic mutism usually develop mutism suddenly in all situations. An example would be a child who witnesses the death of a grandparent or other traumatic event, is unable to process the event, and becomes mute in all settings.

How do you know if you have selective mutism?

Your child may have selective mutism if s/he… Speaks in certain settings but stops talking, either completely or almost completely, when other people are around. Looks frozen or paralyzed (like a “deer in the headlights”) or even angry when asked questions by strangers or when s/he feels uncomfortable.

What is the treatment for selective mutism?

Behavioral strategies and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are the most widely supported therapeutic treatments for selective mutism. Using a wide variety of strategies aimed at reducing the anxiety beneath the behavior, these therapeutic interventions help kids learn to gradually engage in more speaking behaviors.

What is selective mutism caused by?

There is no single known cause of selective mutism. Researchers are still learning about factors that can lead to selective mutism, such as: An anxiety disorder. Poor family relationships.

Can you get selective mutism at 13?

While selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder often associated with young children, teens and adults can also suffer from SM. In many cases, teens with SM have been struggling with anxiety for years.

What can I do to cure my selective mutism?

Treatment for Selective Mutism can include psychotherapy and medication to address the anxiety that underlies the person’s inability to speak in certain situations. Some children with Selective Mutism also benefit from speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, sensory-integration therapy, and other interventions that may be recommended by the main treatment provider(s).

What does selective mutism feel like?

Selective mutism. Selective mutism ( SM) is an anxiety disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech cannot speak in specific situations or to specific people. Selective mutism usually co-exists with shyness or social anxiety. People with selective mutism stay silent even when the consequences of their silence include shame,…

What do teachers need to know about selective mutism?

What Teachers Should Know. Selective mutism causes some kids and teens to be too fearful to talk in some situations. Students with selective mutism might be able to speak just fine in comfortable environments, like at home with family members. But they can’t speak in other places or situations, like at school or in public.

Does selective mutism keep getting worse?

Selective mutism is a type of anxiety disorder that can get worse over time. By the time a child reaches the teen years, it can become nearly impossible to speak in anxiety-provoking situations without treatment. Cognitive-behavior therapy with a mental health professional has been shown to be effective in treating selective mutism.