selective mutism

what is it

childhood anxiety disorder characterised by a child or adolescent’s inability to speak in one or more social settings, despite being able to speak comfortably in other settings

children with SM

* want to speak but aren’t able to
* often afraid of others hearing voice
* wary of situations where communicating in some way leads to expectation that they will speak
* learn to avoid anxiety and distress by avoiding situations
* deliberate self protection

symptoms of anxiety

* avoidance
* physical tension
* lack of facial expression
* appear helpless
* no strategy to cope with new or difficult situations

impact of negative opinions

* misunderstood
* low self esteem
* more anxious
* frustrated
* becomes part of them
* lack of justice
* can’t make friends
* lack of education

causes

**predisposing factors -**

* already have SLC difficulty
* anxiety
* family history of anxiety or shyness
* family history of psychiatric difficulties

**precipitating -**

* trauma
* migration
* self awareness of SLC difficulty

**exacerbating -**

* mismanagement
* e.g. being forced to speak, ppl not understanding

what is SLT involved

* role in mental health
* role in the assessment, identification and management of selective mutism
* working in collaboration with school/college staff and other professionals, depending on the unique needs of the child or young person

SLT aims to

* minimise negative impact on child
* prevent situation from worsening
* prevent behaviour becoming habit
* prevent repeated ineffective attempts to elicit speech
* prevent child from talking on non speaking role
* minimise emotional and physical drain on parents and teachers
* inform others, change attitudes and dispel myths
* improve self-esteem
* build confidence

consequences

academic

* underachievement
* misinterpretation of cognitive skills
* misplacement schooling wise

social

* school refusal
* social isolation
* withdrawal

emotional

* low self-esteem
* anxiety
* effect on family relationships

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