The Symptoms of Selective Mutism

Many children are apprehensive about their first day of school, but for some this normal apprehension turns into outright fear. Their fear is so great that they become unable to speak. These children aren’t too afraid to speak, but they are actually unable to get their words out. They may talk non-stop at home or other places they feel comfortable, but when they find themselves in certain social situations they simply can’t speak. This disorder is known as Selective Mutism.

Selective Mutism is a childhood communication disorder and is usually a symptom of an anxiety disorder. It is most noticed after the child starts school and this is when it has the potential to become a serious problem. Selective Mutism is most common in children under 5, but can occur after, and sometimes stays with the child into their adult years.

Selective Mutism should not be confused with Mutism. Children with Mutism will never speak, while a child with Selective Mutism has the ability to speak and understand, but they just can’t speak in certain situations. It’s not that they don’t want to talk because they truly do, but their anxiety is so great that it becomes debilitating. These children have no problem speaking at home, but when they enter certain social situations such as school they are unable to speak.

The symptoms of Selective Mutism include the ability to speak at home, failure to speak in certain social situations, fear of people and shyness. Children may appear anxious and nervous in certain social situations. Without treatment symptoms can get worse, so it’s important for the child to receive treatment as soon as possible.

Possible causes of Selective Mutism are anxiety, biological, environmental and social. Most children who suffer from Selective Mutism also have some form of extreme social phobia. Risk factors include a family history of the disorder, extreme shyness and anxiety disorders.