Selective mutism
Selective Mutism
Selective mutism (pronounced: sɪˈlɛktɪv ˈmjuːtɪzəm) 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.
Etymology
The term "selective mutism" is derived from the Latin words "selectus" meaning "chosen" and "mutus" meaning "mute". It was first used in the 20th century to describe children who chose not to speak in certain situations.
Symptoms
Children with selective mutism often exhibit the following symptoms:
- Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where there is an expectation for speaking (e.g., at school)
- Disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication
- Duration of the disturbance is at least 1 month (not limited to the first month of school)
- Failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation
- The disturbance is not better accounted for by a communication disorder (e.g., stuttering) and does not occur exclusively during a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia.
Related Terms
Treatment
Treatment for selective mutism involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes speech-language pathology, psychotherapy, and pharmacotherapy. The goal of treatment is to enhance the child's self-esteem and self-confidence in social settings.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Selective mutism
- Wikipedia's article - Selective mutism
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