What is the best therapy for selective mutism?

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.

Can people with selective mutism still speak?

Children and adults with selective mutism are fully capable of speech and understanding language but are physically unable to speak in certain situations, though speech is expected of them. The behaviour may be perceived as shyness or rudeness by others.

Can selective mutism be cured?

The good news is that selective mutism is very treatable with the right care. Kids with SM respond best to behavioral therapy that is focused on helping them learn to speak in new settings, during new activities and with new people.

Is selective mutism a mental illness?

Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school.

Is selective mutism rare?

Key points about selective mutism It’s a rare childhood condition. It can cause problems with school and social situations. Some children have additional problems, like shyness, developmental delay, or language problems.

How serious is Selective Mutism?

It can cause problems with school and social situations. A child with selective mutism may find certain social situations very stressful. This may cause anxiety so severe that the child feels unable to speak. Selective mutism is not caused by a child’s willful refusal to speak.

How do you help someone with Selective Mutism?

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.

Is selective mutism permanent?

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 should you not do with selective mutism?

When interacting with a child with Selective Mutism, DO NOT:

• Try to be “the one who gets this child to speak.” These efforts did not work in the past, are not working now, and will never work in the future!
• Disregard warm-up time.
• Approach the child without preparation.

What do you need to know about selective mutism?

Considerations for selective mutism as it extends into adulthood are briefly discussed. Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. An individual’s pattern of mutism can vary greatly.

How does social anxiety affect children with selective mutism?

In addition to these features of social anxiety, children with selective mutism avoid initiating and participating in conversations. If they are able to express themselves, they may rely on gesturing, nodding, pointing, or whispering. They may have fears of being ignored, ridiculed, or harshly evaluated if they speak.

When do SMA permissions change for selective mutism?

As of April 2021, these permissions are rapidly changing due to the vaccine program. You can check with individual practitioners about temporary privileges that they may have to practice in your area. SMA relies on the attestation of its Treating Professionals to maintain the accuracy of this information.

Is there a connection between autism and mutism?

As there are hundreds of conditions that have been diagnosed as comorbid with autism, it is only reasonable that these two conditions, despite their commonalities can overlap within some individuals. Many autistic individuals show the signs and evidence of both autism and mutism, so let’s review and consider them.