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Selective Mutism - Selective Mutism Symptom, Cause, Treatment
Selective mutism is not a communications disorder and is not part of a developmental disorder. By definition, selective mutism does not include children with conduct disorders, oppositional/defiant behavior, and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Selective mutism, formally known as elective mutism, is a disorder of childhood that is characterized by the peristent lack of speech in at least one social situation, despite the ability to speak in other situations. Onset of selective mutism typically occurs before a child is 5-years-old. Selective mutism is characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which there is an expectation for speaking.
Symptoms of Selective Mutism
Selective mutism is typically a symptom of an anxiety disorder, requiring treatment in conjunction with mental health professionals. The full impact of the disorder is not usually manifested until the child starts school, and therefore the classroom is frequently where the difficulties are most seriously experienced. Selective mutism is a rare psychiatric condition primarily occurring during childhood. It is characterized by the failure to speak in social situations. Ability to understand spoken language and to speak is usually not impaired. Symptoms include excessive shyness, and social anxiety.Other Symptoms are includes
- Failure to speak in specific social situations
- Shyness
- Fear of people
- Speaks at home with family
Causes of Selective Mutism
The principal problem in children with selective mutism appears to be anxiety. This anxiety (which causes avoidance) seems closest to the definition of social anxiety disorder (social phobia). At the present time, it cannot be said with any certainty however, the apparent cause of selective mutism is due to a psychologically determined refusal to speak. Some children have histories of speech problems or delay of onset of speech. Problems within the family or at school appear to acerbate this disorder. Young children have a higher incidence of this disorder. Most experts believe that there are environmental, biological, interpersonal, and anxiety-related factors that cause selective mutism. Most children with this condition have some form of extreme social phobia (a phobia is extreme irrational fear).
Treatment of Selective Mutism
Individual, behavioral, and family counseling are the best approaches to this type of disorder. One of the most important first steps in the treatment of selective mutism is conducting a thorough evaluation, including getting a good social history of the child, and a history of the onset, duration, precipitants, and consequences of the child's non-speech behavior. A two-pronged approach to treatment is recommended for children who are mute at school:
- Individual psychotherapy to help reduce the general anxiety and to practice better communication skills;
- A behavioral program at school to to slowly shape increasingly appropriate communication.
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