What is another term for selective mutism?

Selective mutism (SM), formerly called elective mutism, is defined as a disorder of childhood characterized by an inability to speak in certain settings (e.g. at school, in public places) despite speaking in other settings (e.g. at home with family).

Can a 15 year old 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 selective?

Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often.

What is selective mutism give 1 example?

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. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed.

What triggers selective mutism?

There are several risk factors for selective mutism, all of which play a key role in the development of the disorder. These factors include a family history of anxiety, speech issues, language problems, and a tendency to avoid unfamiliar settings.

Is selective mutism on the autism spectrum?

Selective Mutism is a Social Anxiety Disorder most commonly found in children and often mistaken and misdiagnosed as Autism. On the surface some of the characteristics may appear to mimic Autistic behaviors.

What triggers Selective Mutism?

Can 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.

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.

Can a child outgrow selective mutism?

Most children with selective mutism outgrow the disorder spontaneously, while individuals with social phobia do not outgrow the disorder.

What does it mean when your child has selective mutism?

This is a picture of a child experiencing selective mutism —children who speak to certain people in certain situations (most commonly immediate family members inside the home) but are otherwise silent. For parents of children with selective mutism, life can be frustrating.

Where to find a treating professional for selective mutism?

They represent various specialties that work with children with Selective Mutism. SMA commends these professionals for taking an interest in treating or working with children with SM. The listings on this page can provide a source of referral information for parents seeking a treating professional for their child.

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.