Q:
What is Selective Mutism?
A:
Selective Mutism is a mental disorder, which is a clinical syndrome characterized by child’s “rejection” of speech in certain situations where speech and communication are required such as school.
Causes:
- Selective Mutism occurs in children who are genetically predisposed to be anxious, which means in their family anxiety is a genetic disease.
- Children with Selective Mutism may be affected by inhibited temperaments.
- Sensory Processing Disorder (DSI) is also responsible for children suffered from Selective Mutism. In another word, they have a trouble receiving and responding to information that comes in through the senses.
- Some children with Selective Mutism have speech or language impairment.
- It’s believed that the cause of Selective Mutism is linked to mental retardation.
In any case though, if you find your kid have an underlying issue going on, please go see a doctor for professional help.
Key words: Selective Mutism; mental disorder; anxious; inhibited temperaments; Sensory Processing Disorder (DSI); speech or language impairment; mental retardation.
