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Getting
Help > Topics
> Children
& Teens > Selective Mutism
Anxiety
Disorders in Children and Adolescents
Selective
Mutism
Children who refuse to speak in situations where speech
is expected or necessary, to the extent that their refusal
interferes with school and making friends, may be suffering
from selective mutism, thought to be a severe form of social
anxiety disorder. Onset of selective mutism is usually before
five years of age, but it often comes to a head when the
child enters school. The average age of diagnosis is between
4 and 8 years old, but these children probably exhibited "extreme
shyness" at a much earlier age. For selective mutism
to be diagnosed, the behavior must persist for at least
one month. These children can be very talkative, even boisterous
at home, or in a place where they feel comfortable.
Children
suffering from selective mutism may exhibit the following:
- Stand
motionless and expressionless, turn his or her head, chew
or twirl hair, avoid eye contact, or withdraw into a corner.
- Become
anxious before entering an uncomfortable situation, common
symptoms of anxiety before social events include stomachaches, headaches, and other physical ailments.
- Display additional
signs of severe anxiety: separation anxiety, frequent
tantrums and crying, moodiness, inflexibility, sleep problems,
and extreme shyness. These can show up as early as infancy.
Other
resources
Selective
Mutism Group - Child
Anxiety Network, Inc.
Selective Mutism: The
Silence Within (A Parent/Teacher Resource)
About Our Kids - Selective
Mutism
Selective
Mutism Foundation, Inc.
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