Written by Brittany N Sinclair
Edited by Samantha C Sinclair
Have you ever noticed someone you are close to and is very outgoing at home or other safe places,become very quiet and silent at places like school,large crowds,stores etc.?This could be due to a anxiety disorder called “Selective Mutism” (SM)
A person who otherwise is able to speak. However, when exposed to specific social situations, specific places,or people they become triggered, and unable to speak.
People who experience SM stay silent even when the consequences can include shame, social ostracism, or even punishment.
Digging deeper into SM
Selective Mutism is not simply shyness. SM is rooted in anxiety, and can significantly interfere with educational and social functioning.
Symptoms associated with SM:
-Inability to speak in certain situations. An example could be inability of speaking at school, while speaking normally at home.
-Avoidance of interactions where speaking is expected. (Groups, Speeches, ball games)
Symptoms of anxiety
-Signs of physical anxiety may include tense posture, or avoidance of eye contact.
When is SM typically noticed?
Selective Mutisum often begins in early childhood, around 3-6 years of age. The exact causes are not fully understood. Some factors that can contribute to SM are but not limited to , family history of anxiety disorders, tramatic experiences of significant change in childs life.
When and how is SM diagnosed?
A health professional may diagnose after a 1-2 month observation period, where this interferes with educational or social communication.
“However, my personal opinion I feel this is looked over often and made out to be pure shyness.” Brittany N Sinclair
Ways to help?
If a medical health professional diagnoses someone with Selective Mutisum, they will then refer the patient for the proper care. This would include things such as Cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy, or speech therapy. Decisions are based depending on the patients need.
(Clevelandclinic.org)
SamanthaCSinclair.com 