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What is Selective Mutism?
People with SM generally also have Social Anxiety, and may have developed SM as a way to deal with their anxiety. In most cases, no specific trauma is associated with the condition, but in others, the SM appears to have been triggered by a particular traumatic event. Sufferers find themselves unable to speak in particular situations, or to particular people, even when there are significant negative consequences for them.
They may also show other maladaptive behaviours, such as an inability to look others in the eye, difficulty expressing their feelings, and profound feelings of social embarrassment. In other circumstances, they are able to speak normally, and there is no physical reason for their mutism, but nonetheless they are completely unable to speak in particular situations.
Sometimes, children whose speech abilities have developed normally to a certain age regress or stop speaking, even becoming completely silent in the environments that cause them anxiety, and becoming increasingly socially isolated in consequence.
Although some people with an autism spectrum disorder have SM, people with SM are not necessarily on the spectrum. To provide the best possible treatment, great care must be taken with a diagnosis, including ruling out conditions that may initially appear to present with similar symptoms, as well as the possibility that a speech impediment is present.
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Diagnosis and Treatment
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Who can I speak to further about Selective Mutism Therapy in Ireland?
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References
