Is it Selective Mutism or Shyness?

Children who have selective mutism will usually only speak to people they know very well and are comfortable with such as their parents, people in their class and family members. These children get very anxious and don't speak so to most people they just appear to be shy, so often times they go undiagnosed.

Selective mutism affects children and can make it very difficult for them to speak in certain social situations.

Selective mutism is also known as elective mutism. Selective mutism can be challenging for both the child and their parents. Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder where a child is unable to speak in different settings like school or in public around people.

Selective mutism is not a language or speech disorder. It is because of a selective inability to speak in unfamiliar social settings. Children with selective mutism can speak very well in familiar places like in their home or around close family and friends. It can just be challenging to communicate in unfamiliar surroundings. To treat selective mutism you need to identify the anxiety that is causing the child to not be able to speak. Treatment for Selective mutism may involve including a therapist, speech and language pathologist or possibly a psychiatrist too.

Selective mutism continue as an adult too if left untreated. According to the Selective Mutism Association, selective mutism occurs in about 1 in 140 children. It is more common in girls than boys and is often diagnosed in children between the ages of three and eight. Children who have sensory processing disorder can struggle with different symptoms such as loud noises or bright lights, this may seem okay to others but this can be very overwhelming, and can lead to anxiety and result in the child’s inability to speak.

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that can significantly affect a child’s ability to communicate in unfamiliar social settings. It is very important for parents to recognize the selective mutism symptoms early and seek medical from your doctor to help your child.    

Resources For Parents 

Anxiety Canada   What is Selective Mutism? | Anxiety Canada

Canadian Mental Health Association    Children, Youth and Anxiety - CMHA National

Mental Health Foundation    The Anxious Child | Mental Health Foundation

Speech and Hearing BC  Selective Mutism – Speech and Hearing BC

Child Mind Institute  Guide to Selective Mutism in Children - Child Mind Institute

Kids Sense  Selective Mutism - Kid Sense Child Development

American Speech Language Hearing Association    Selective Mutism

NHS   Selective mutism - NHS

DISCLAIMER: I have learned a lot over the years but I am still learning. Always do your own research and exercise sound judgment. I am not an occupational therapist or a physician. I am an adult who has sensory processing disorder, a sensory parent and a Grandma. The information on this website is not medical advice and does not replace the information that your child's therapists or medical professionals give you. These are just ideas that I have learned myself over the years of being a parent and an adult living with SPD. If you are concerned for your child, please always seek medical attention through a family doctor, pediatrician or therapist. This website is for awareness purposes only. Each child is different and what works for one child may not for another because all children have different sensory needs. Please always consult with a medical professional. Click on links throughout each page for more resources and information. Click here for more resources https://sensoryprocessingdisorderparentsupport.com/sensoryprocessingdisorderresources

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