Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by the inability to speak or communicate in certain social settings, such as at school, work or in the community. The condition is usually first diagnosed in the infancy.
Selective mutism can have several consequences, especially if left untreated. It can lead to academic problems, low self-esteem, social isolation and social anxiety.
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Despite being more frequent in children, selective mutism can also be identified in adults and, in these cases, it is called social phobia, in which the person feels very anxious in normal everyday situations, such as eating in public, for example, or when thinking about establishing some kind of communication.
causes of selective mutism
Usually, the disorder comes from some traumatic situation in early childhood. The causes of the problem are still not entirely clear, but it is known that those who suffer from selective mutism have a tendency to anxiety. It was found that they are people with a greater tendency to insecurity and are afraid of receiving criticism and being rejected.
symptoms of selective mutism
If you believe your child may be suffering from selective mutism, look out for the following symptoms:
- Expression of a desire to speak, contained by anxiety, fear or embarrassment;
- Restlessness, avoidance of eye contact, lack of movement or lack of expression accompanied by fearful situations;
- Inability to speak in school and other specific social situations;
- Use of non-verbal communication to express needs (eg, nodding, pointing);
- Shyness, fear of people and reluctance to talk between 2 and 4 years old;
- Speak easily in certain situations (for example, at home or with people you know), but not in others (for example, at school or with people you don't know).
forms of treatment
The treatment of selective mutism requires a specific intervention in each case, centered on the needs collected after the evaluation. In general terms, all treatment should focus on dealing with three basic problems that commonly occur in the disorder.
the intervention psychological of the child's speech inhibition must be carried out by a professional, and includes the following aspects:
- Developing techniques to reduce child anxiety in a psychotherapeutic environment;
- Gradual exposure to feared situations. The therapist schedules exposure to situations that the child fears. It is about gradually increasing the communicative experiences so that you gain security and skills;
- Modeling and self-modeling. It is about modeling with the child so that he rehearses his behavior in feared situations.
Tips for parents to help their child with selective mutism
The role of the family in the treatment of the child's selective mutism is very important. Avoid criticizing, judging or labeling the child's behavior, as well as ridiculing the lack of speech.
With these behaviors we increase the child's fear, his anxiety increases and speech inhibition intensifies. In addition, your self-esteem is reduced. Encourage, praise and bring your child closer to full life condition.
Psychologist, postgraduate in Business Management Executive Coaching and Skills. Writer with international training for creative writing and storytelling. Researcher at Dakila Pesquisas, creation of Pedagogical Coaching methodology for parents and educators.