Selective mutism may be something you’ve heard little, if anything, about. That can lead to a lot of misconceptions about the disorder. So let’s clear things up.
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder. An individual with this disorder simply becomes so anxious in certain situations that they cannot speak. They may never talk, whisper, or talk to a select number of people. Many
people who have selective mutism also suffer from social phobia (a chronic fear of performance or social situations). This explains quite a bit. Selective mutism is not a communication disorder or an autistic spectrum disorder.
People with selective mutism are often mistaken as disrespectful, stubborn, willful, or attention getters. In reality, these individuals are none of these things. They are just so nervous that they have a really hard time looking someone in the eye or smiling in some social situations. They also look away when spoken to or confronted.
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its a good article talking about children anxiety cause children needs care.
Hiya,
Im currently undertaking a research project and was wondering whether anyone would be interseted in contributing as an anonymous volunteer by completing a questionnaire about your views, as someone with a child who has selective mutism, about home schooling your child. If you are interested, please let me know then I can give my email. Cheers
Ashley
My daughter is 3 years old. She is a selective mute. It is very difficult to understand this disorder, because everyone thinks that my child is just shy. In reality she suffers everyday. She shuts down in public places, causing her not too talk, whisper or even cry. She cannot do it. She wants to, but cannot. It is so hard to watch her suffer. I want her to enjoy going to a birthday party…or even having one of her own. It is just not possible. I always wondered why she wouldn’t smile at her own parties. I know why, it’s not fun for her at all. The good news is that she will get better. She is now seeing a theropist and has started some vitamins. I believe she will get better.