Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disease in which a person is unable to speak in specific social situations, such as among classmates at school or distant relatives.
A person, who is selectively mute, whether they are a kid or an adult, cannot talk; they cannot speak at all. Talking becomes impossible when one expects to converse with a particular person and doing so causes a freeze response and feelings of terror, similar to a severe case of stage fright. Over time, the individual will develop the ability to recognize the circumstances that bring on this upsetting response and will learn to take all reasonable precautions to prevent them. However, people with selective mutism can communicate freely with some people, such as close family, and when no one else is around to cause the freeze reaction, pals.
Selective mutism symptoms
When a youngster first interacts with individuals outside of their immediate family, such as when they start nursery or school, selective mutism is frequently initially identified.
They might turn away from you and appear:
• tense, anxious, or awkward in social situations
• uninterested, or moody
• clingy
• timid and reclusive
• rigid, tense, or uncoordinated
• becoming obstinate, throwing fits when they return home from school or becoming frustrated when parents inquire about them more assured.
Children with selective mutism who are more self-assured can communicate through gestures; for example, they can shake their head no to say “no” or nod to say “yes.” However, those who are more badly impacted prefer to shun spoken, written, or gestural communication altogether. Some kids might be able to reply in a few words or they might talk in a different voice, like a whisper. If your kid or someone you know exhibits any of the signs listed above, you can get assistance from Compass clinical psychological services.