selective mutism…

Medical experts recommend this detailed explanation.

[ Find Organization | Index Page ]

selective mutism, a child who is fluent, language frequently fails to speak in certain situations where language is expected, occurs in school, social settings, pattern of mutism must be observed, at least one month, the first month of school, does not count, excessive shyness is common, period, parents often think that the child is refusing to speak, the child is truly unable to speak in particular settings, most experts believe, environmental, biological, interpersonal, anxiety-related factors that cause selective mutism, most children, condition have some form of extreme social phobia, affected children have a family history of selective mutism, extreme shyness, anxiety disorders, increase risk, similar problems, common in children under age 5, failure to speak in specific social situations, shyness, fear of people, speaks at home, family, essential element of selective mutism, the child has the ability to both comprehend, speak, fails to speak in certain settings, environments, syndrome differs, from mutism, children, mutism never speak, cultural issues, recent immigration, bilingualism, noted, children who, uncomfortable, a new language reluctant, use it outside of a familiar setting, not necessarily selective mutism, current treatment combines behavior modification, family participation, school involvement, certain medications that address symptoms of anxiety, social phobia, extreme social shyness, have been used safely, successfully, selective mutism support groups prognosis, syndrome, continued therapy, intervention, shyness, social anxiety into adolescence, adulthood required, mutism, affect the child's ability to function in social, educational settings, become more severe, call health care provider, child displays the symptoms of selective mutism, interfering, education, causing social problems.