What is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism is an anxiety-based disorder primarily affecting children, characterized by an inability to speak in certain social situations. Some experts believe that selective mutism is a specific phobia where the child has a fear of being heard or seen speaking in certain situations. Some children are shy naturally and thus will hesitate to speak up in situations. However, with selective mutism, the lack of social communication starts to negatively impact their daily functioning and social interactions. The failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge with the spoken language but more due to fears and possible embarrassment.
Typically emerging between the ages of two and five, selective mutism manifests when a child is observed to be a “chatterbox” at home but have difficulties making eye contact or becomes silent or withdrawn in public or in school with teachers and strangers. Sometimes they are able to talk to same aged peers but only when they are not being observed. Children who do not speak or have reduced interactions verbally in school have greater difficulties engaging in learning and social activities. Without proper intervention, children with selective mutism may face challenges such as feelings of isolation, experience separation anxiety, severe social anxiety or low self-confidence.
Identifying Selective Mutism in Your Child
If you suspect your child may have selective mutism, watch for the following signs:
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Communication Patterns: Your child speaks freely at home but becomes quiet outside of familiar settings.
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Parental Communication: You often find yourself speaking on your child’s behalf during social interactions.
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Reluctance to Speak: Your child needs encouragement to say even a single word in conversations.
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Class Participation: They may avoid participating in activities like show-and-tell.
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Play Behavior: Your child engages in play with peers but remains silent.
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Nonverbal Communication: They rely heavily on gestures such as nodding, gesturing, pointing.
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Eye Contact Issues: There is minimal or no eye contact with others outside the home.
Therapies for Selective Mutism
Addressing selective mutism requires a tailored approach involving the child, parents, and school staff. Here are some common therapeutic strategies:
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Speech and Language Assessment: Identify any underlying communication difficulties or conditions such as autism.
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Behavioural Interventions: Focus on the reasons behind speech avoidance through techniques like shaping, stimulus fading, and contingency management.
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Cognitive Restructuring: Teach your child to identify and challenge maladaptive thoughts.
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Hierarchical Exposure: Create a “talking ladder” to help the child gradually face feared situations and empower the child to face them with support from parents and school personnel
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Confidence Building: Foster self-esteem for the child
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Collaborative Involvement: Engage school personnel in the process to ensure consistent support
Seeking Help If You Suspect Your Child Has Selective Mutism
If you notice signs of selective mutism in your child, early intervention is crucial. Begin the process by consulting a child psychologist who specializes in anxiety disorders. With the right support, children can learn to overcome their fears and improve their social communication skills.
By understanding selective mutism and its impacts, parents can better support their children in navigating these challenges, ultimately helping them thrive both socially and academically.
Consider scheduling an appointment with Kavitha Manokaran, a senior clinical psychologist specializing in childhood anxiety, should you notice any behaviour of concern.
This article is written by Kavitha Manokaran – IMC’s Senior Clinical Psychologist.
Kavitha works at IMC Camden, IMC Children’s, and IMC Katong. To book an appointment to see her, please click here; or for enquiries please call (+65 6733 4440) or email the clinics:
Camden: [email protected]
Children: [email protected]
Katong: [email protected]
