Symptoms Associated with selective mutism.
A trained professional in the field of SM conducts a thorough assessment of the child, looking at the social situations in which the child does not speak and exhibits anxiety related symptoms. During this assessment the professional will rule out other conditions, such as a communication disorder or schizophrenia that the child could be experiencing and then develops a treatment plan based on the specific child. The child needs to exhibit a persistent inability to communicate in one or more social settings. SM is often the result of "common issues, such as adjusting to the new school setting, difficulties separating
from their parents, initial difficulties adjusting to new routines and surroundings, fears about attending school, or anxiety about interacting with new peers" (Crundwell 49). Some studies have also found that SM can be due to a tragic incident in the child's life that has caused them to become anxious in
some situations.
Some of the anxiety and SM related symptoms shown in uncomfortable social situations include blushing, avoiding eye contact, and fidgeting. Selective mutism can also cause internal problems such as "depression, clinginess, fearfulness, and being overly sensitive" (49). SM is most common in girls and is typically recognized between the ages of 3 and 8 when the child enters the school system.
from their parents, initial difficulties adjusting to new routines and surroundings, fears about attending school, or anxiety about interacting with new peers" (Crundwell 49). Some studies have also found that SM can be due to a tragic incident in the child's life that has caused them to become anxious in
some situations.
Some of the anxiety and SM related symptoms shown in uncomfortable social situations include blushing, avoiding eye contact, and fidgeting. Selective mutism can also cause internal problems such as "depression, clinginess, fearfulness, and being overly sensitive" (49). SM is most common in girls and is typically recognized between the ages of 3 and 8 when the child enters the school system.
Recognizing selective mutism in school.
· Excessive shyness with adults and peers
· Anxiety
· Fears of being embarrassed in social settings
· Blushing
· Avoiding eye contact
· Fidgeting
· Becoming overly rigid
· Showing social isolation and withdrawal when expected to interact and speak with others.
· Anxiety
· Fears of being embarrassed in social settings
· Blushing
· Avoiding eye contact
· Fidgeting
· Becoming overly rigid
· Showing social isolation and withdrawal when expected to interact and speak with others.