Extra Information
More facts:
Experts once believed that fewer than 1 in 1,000 kids developed the disorder, but an influential study three years ago in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry put the prevalence at closer to 7 in 1,000, making SM almost twice as common as autism.
No single cause has been established, though emotional, psychological and
social factors may influence how it develops.
There is no evidence that SM is related to abuse, neglect or trauma.
It is more common in girls.
Children with SM are likely to…
• Find it difficult to look at you when they are anxious, they may turn their
head or avoid eye contact.
• Look blank or expressionless when anxious in school, they will be feeling
anxious most of the time and this is why it is hard for them to smile,
laugh or show their true feelings, even when they have an incredible sense
of humour
• Move stiffly and /or awkwardly when anxious, or if they think that they are being
watched
• Find it difficult to answer, say hello, goodbye or thank-you - this behaviour is not
under their control
• Be very sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others
• Be slow to respond, in any way, to a question
• Worry more than other people
• Be very sensitive to noise, touch or crowds
• Be intelligent, perceptive and inquisitive
• Have good powers of concentration
• Find it difficult to express their feelings
• May suffer from constipation (sometimes caused by not wanting to use public washrooms)
• May prefer to wear clothing that feels soft against their skin, doesn't like clothing tags (Sensory Processing Disorder)
• Be very loving and caring
• Could be a Perfectionist
• Some of the quirks described above do not necessarily appear in every Selectively Mute
person. Some could have less, more or different quirks
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Links
Selective Mutism Support Group
Treatment
The main priority with treatment is to lower anxiety, increase self-esteem and increase confidence in social environments. Emphasis should never be on "getting a child to talk." All expectations for verbalization should be removed. With lowered anxiety levels and confidence, verbalization will eventually follow. A professional should devise an "individualized treatment plan" for each child.
Research indicates that the earlier a child is treated for SM, the quicker the response to treatment, and the better the overall prognosis. If a child remains selectively mute for many years, his/her behavior can become a conditioned response where the child literally gets accustomed to non-verbalizing (SM becomes a habit). However, with proper diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for overcoming it is excellent!
Please visit the Selective Mutism Support Group to follow a current diary of a child taking medication to help decrease anxiety.
You can join the forum here SM Support group. The diary began on November 21st, 2008 as a way for parents to see what to expect if they would like to take that route. Research suggests that medication along with cognitive behavioural therapy can be very successful.
Personal notes: My daughter is now speaking to some of the Teachers at her School (March 09).
Facebook Group for Selective Mutism