Selective Mutism Presented by: Veronica Rodriguez-Ureña

What is Selective Mutism? n According to the American Speech- Language Hearing Association Selective Mutism “is a disorder that usually occurs during childhood. It is when the child does not to speak in at least one social setting. However, the child can speak in other situations. Selective mutism typically occurs before a child is 5 years old and is usually first noticed when the child starts school.” Selective Mutism “is a disorder that usually occurs during childhood. It is when the child does not to speak in at least one social setting. However, the child can speak in other situations. Selective mutism typically occurs before a child is 5 years old and is usually first noticed when the child starts school.”

History of Selective Mutism n Formerly known as “Elective Mutism”, until 1994 n Was renamed due to the misconception that mute people choose to be silent. n Truth is anxiety causes the failure to speak out loud.

Diagnostic Criteria for Selective Mutism “A child meets the criteria for Selective Mutism if the following are true: n Does not speak in certain places, such as school or other social events. n However child can speak normally in settings where the child is comfortable, such as at home. n The child's inability to speak interferes with their ability to function in educational and/or social settings. n Mutism has persisted for at least one month. n Mutism is not caused by a communication disorder(such as stuttering), and does not occur as part of other mental disorders (such as autism).”

Typical Misdiagnoses n Autism: Because of the characteristics of extreme social withdrawal and impairment in communication. n Aspergers: Because of the primary problems in social interaction. n However, individuals suffering from SM are able to speak in environments where they are comfortable

Incidences According to the Moore & Jefferson: Handbook of Medical Psychiatry n “Selective Mutism is probably more common in girls than boys. It is an uncommon disorder, with a prevalence among early elementary school age children of from 0.06% to 0.7%”.

Associated Behaviors n No eye contact n Is uneasy when confronted with general expectations in social situations n No facial expression n Immobility

Positive Aspects Positive aspects many suffers may have n “Above average intelligence, perception, or are inquisitive n Are empathetic n Are able to maintain concentration n Often have a good sense of judgment ”

Negative aspects due to lack of verbal communication Negative aspects may include n Perceived rudeness n Lack of expression n Minimal eye contact n Difficulty in expressing emotion

Drug Free Treatments Desensitization (older then 5yrs of age) n Allows the “subject” to communicate via non direct means which may include e- mail, phone, tape recording, web chat, until they are both mentally and able to communicate more directly. Stimulus Fading n The technique that allows the “subject” in a controlled setting to communicate with a person whom they are comfortable with. Gradually a second person is then introduced into the group. These steps are done in stages and is called the “sliding- in technique”

Drug Treatments n There is a double sided view on Medication treatment. n Some practioners believe antidepressants such as Fluoxetine may be effective with Selective Mutism, however there are activist and practioners who are against medication treatments

Conclusion n Selective Mutism is often regarded in a child as being overly shy and can also be misinterpreted as the child choosing to be rude. n While SM does not have a high incidence, it is often misdiagnosed n Educating teachers on this disability can raise the awareness of the student who is not participating n Encouraging rather then reprimanding a child with SM can allow the child to eventually lower their anxiety to speak in their setting

Works Cited Villa, Carol. (2009).What is Selective Mutism. Retrieved July 8, 2009, From Mental-Health-Matters.com. Website: matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=516:selective- mutism&catid=121:selective-mutism&Itemid= matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=516:selective- mutism&catid=121:selective-mutism&Itemid=2140http:// matters.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=516:selective- mutism&catid=121:selective-mutism&Itemid=2140 Dr.Shipo-Blum. Helping Our Teachers Understand Selective Mutism. Retrieved on July 10, 2009, From SelectiveMutismCenter.org. Website: Moore & Jefferson: Handbook of Medical Psychiatry 2nd ed. Chapter 29 – Selective Mutism (DSM-IV-TR#313.23).Retrieved on July 10, 2009, From Mdconsult.com. Website: Web Sites geared at educating on Selective Mutism Videos Battling Selective Mutism Retrieved 7/17/09 Selective Mutism Retrieved 7/13/09