Selective Mutism

11 Pages 2643 Words

Selective mutism is an acquired disorder, in which a child is capable of speaking, and does so in many instances, but fails to speak in select situations where communication will typically occur. (Baldwin, 1994) This behavior is most often observed when young children are put into new situations such as meeting a stranger or a speech clinic. (Cleator & Hand, 2002) Selective mutism implies that a child suffering from this disorder does not choose to be silent, but rather become mute in situations that cause him/her to be anxious. (Cummings-Stegbauer, 2002) One of the most important aspects of defining this disorder is that the failure to speak is not due to the child’s lack of knowledge of spoken language or a communication disorder, but rather the psychological aspects of socialization. (8)
Tramer initially labeled the disorder “elective mutism” in 1934, a term that is still used outside of North America, and it was viewed as a defiant behavior to overprotective and/or controlling parent(s). (McInnes et al., 2004) In 1994, American Psychiatric Association, renamed the disorder “Selective Mutism” since the title was more appropriate for emphasizing that a child becomes mute in select social situations that cause anxiety and not when he/she chooses not to communicate.(McInnes et al., 2004)
When exposed to new situations or overcoming a traumatic episode children often go through a phase of adjustment, where they may not speak for some period of time. (Baldwin, 1994) This will not be termed selective mutism because of its course of development and etiology is different and will be managed in another way. (Baldwin, 1994) Children whom are selectively mute do not spend their day in silence; they tend to speak within the home with some or all family members, but fail to speak with those outside the home. (Cummings-Stegbauer, 2002) Some children will not speak to any child outside their home while others will pick a select few c...