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SELECTIVE MUTISM
AFTER DIAGNOSIS:
GETTING DIAGNOSIS:
Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed.
Recognize the signs:
Lack of speech:
Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which there is an expectation for speaking, despite speaking in other situations.
Interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication.
Lasts at least one month – not limited to the first month of school.
Failure to speak is not due to lack of knowledge about or comfort with the spoken language.
Other symptoms:
excessive shyness
social isolation
fear of embarrassment in front of a group
clinging to caregivers
temper tantrums
oppositional behavior
compulsive traits
negativity
Did you know that...?
Did you know that...
More than 90% of children with selective mutism also have social phobia or social anxiety.
**Please note that this does not constitue a diagnosis and does not replace professional consultation.
RESOURCES
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