Where can one learn about selective mutism?

1. Where can I get help for selective mutism?
2. What triggers selective mutism?
3. How do I stop being selective mute?
4. What is the best therapy for selective mutism?
5. Do selective mutes talk?
6. Can a teenager have selective mutism?
7. Is selective mutism caused by trauma?
8. Can adults suffer from selective mutism?
9. Is being mute a choice?
10. Can a child overcome selective mutism?
11. Can a baby be born mute?
12. Is selective mutism rare?
13. Does selective mutism ever go away?
14. Who works with selective mutism?

Where can I get help for selective mutism?

It's also important to get help if your child's selective mutism is affecting their learning at school and their ability to socialise and make friends. You can get help from: your child's GP or paediatrician – these professionals can refer you to a psychologist or psychiatrist.

What triggers 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.

How do I stop being selective mute?

Among the most effective methods of treating symptoms of selective mutism is CBT. This action-based and problem-solving talking therapy is carried out by highly trained therapists, where you or your older child can benefit from further understanding of the disorder and anxiety in general.

What is the best therapy 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.

Do selective mutes talk?

A child or adult with selective mutism does not refuse or choose not to speak at certain times, they're literally unable to speak. The expectation to talk to certain people triggers a freeze response with feelings of panic, like a bad case of stage fright, and talking is impossible.

Can a teenager have selective mutism?

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.

Is selective mutism caused by trauma?

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 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 being mute a choice?

The former name elective mutism indicates a widespread misconception among psychologists that selective mute people choose to be silent in certain situations, while the truth is that they often wish to speak but are unable to do so.

Can a child overcome selective mutism?

Can kids grow out of SM? Experts don't know how many children with selective mutism will grow out of the disorder. But what we do know is that treating it becomes much harder the older a child is, so it is extremely important not to put off treatment.

Can a baby be born mute?

Studies have shown that some children are born with inhibited temperaments, which means that even as infants, they are more likely to be fearful and wary of new situations. There is reason to believe that many or most children with mutism were born with this inhibited personality type.

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.

Does selective mutism ever 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.

Who works with selective mutism?

A pediatrician, speech-language pathologist, and a psychologist may work together to diagnose and treat the condition. Your child might need a set of different types of treatment. With treatment, most children overcome selective mutism.