selective mutism

what is SM

o   Part of a complex social anxiety disorder

o   Characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in certain social settings (i.e., school) but the ability to speak and communicate effectively in other settings (i.e., home)

o   They speak in situations in which they feel comfortable and relaxed

how does SM differ from extreme shyness

o   When compared to the typically shy/timid child, most children with SM are at the extreme end of the spectrum for timidity and shyness

o   Shyness is a normal personality trait. Marked by a voluntary tendency to withdraw from people (especially unfamiliar people)

o   Everyone has some degree of shyness

o   People who are shy are able to function adequately in society. Shyness may fluctuate and change as a person matures and encounters new social challenges without treatment

o   Selective mutism is involuntary, shyness is voluntary. Children with SM don’t adapt well to social situations and can’t communicate effectively with others. They might have limited academic and occupational achievement and require treatment in order to overcome their symptoms and function at an adaptable level in society – people with extreme shyness don’t need treatment!

what happens when SM progresses and becomes progressive mutism

o   Child experiences such severe anxiety that they become unable to speak to anyone at all in all situations, including family members

« If a child is not talking at all in any environment with any person, can they have selective mutism?

no they have progressive mutism