How serious is selective mutism?

Selective mutism can have a number of consequences, particularly if it goes untreated. It may lead to academic problems, low self-esteem, social isolation, and social anxiety.

Does selective mutism go away?

Selective mutism typically does not go away on its own, and in fact, can lead to worsened anxiety and social difficulty if not addressed. Treatment requires a cohesive plan between home and school to produce lasting change.

What are the long term effects of selective mutism?

Left untreated, selective mutism can lead to isolation, low self-esteem and social anxiety disorder. It can continue into adolescence and adulthood if not managed.

Can selective mutism cause PTSD?

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with dissociative features has also been associated as a potential precursor of selective mutism. Although it is an uncommon explanation for selective mutism, several cases of children who experienced severe abuse and trauma fit the classification of selective mutism.

Can adults suffer from Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder that affects both children and adults. It is believed that one in 150* children are affected and it is more common in girls that in boys.

Is Selective Mutism rare?

Selective mutism is a rare psychiatric condition primarily occurring during childhood. It is characterized by the failure to speak in certain social situations. The ability to speak and understand spoken language is not impaired, and may be exhibited in more familiar environments.

How do you communicate with a selective mute?

When interacting with a child with Selective Mutism, DO:

1. Allow for warm-up time.
2. Monitor the child’s body language.
3. Talk “around” the child at first with focus on parents or siblings.
4. Get down on the child’s level and focus on a prop.
5. Ask choice and direct questions to the child with focus on the prop.

Are people with selective mutism violent?

Michael McGrath, clinical associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center in New York, said selective mutism is best understood as “a symptom and not a diagnosis” and is “hardly ever associated with violence.”

How do you help someone with selective mutism?

Is selective mutism a trauma response?

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.

Can selective mutism go away on its own?

It is best to seek behavioral therapy or family therapy as early as possible for a child with selective mutism because the condition may not go away on its own. It is important to the success of therapy that the mental health care provider be a good fit for the child and the family.

What is the relationship between selective mutism and autism?

There’s no relationship between selective mutism and autism, although a child may have both. Left untreated, selective mutism can lead to isolation, low self-esteem and social anxiety disorder. It can continue into adolescence and adulthood if not managed.

Is selective mutism a form of shyness?

Selective Mutism Selective mutism is a rare childhood anxiety disorder in which a child is unable to speak in certain situations or to certain people. It is not a form of shyness, though it may be thought of as extreme timidity. Nor is it an intentional refusal to speak, though it may be perceived that way.

How can I Help my Child with selective mutism?

Selective Mutism – A Comprehensive Overview BY DR. ELISA SHIPON-BLUM. Very often changes in parenting styles and expectations are necessary to accommodate the needs of the child. Remember, never pressure or force your child to speak this will only cause more anxiety. Convey to your child that you are there for them.