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CBT encourages a person to focus on how they think about themselves, others, and the world around them, and how their perceptions of these things affect the way they think and feel.
As a general rule, CBT is more suitable for older children and adults who struggle with selective mutism.
Behavioral therapy, by contrast, focuses on working towards and reinforcing desired behaviors, while replacing bad habits with good ones.
Selective mutism is a complicated and tricky disorder to live with. However, with the right help and support, things can get better.
Sources: (NHS)
There are two key types of treatment often used to treat selective mutism: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral therapy.
Treating selective mutism does not focus on the speaking itself, but rather on reducing or even eliminating the anxiety associated with speaking in certain situations.
It is also possible, although arguably more difficult, for adults to overcome selective mutism with the help of a mental health professional who has the support of a speech and language therapist.
Your child may not be able to speak during the consultation, but a professional will be prepared for this and will have other ways to help your child communicate.
If left untreated, selective mutism can lead to a host of other problems down the line. Thankfully, it is possible for children to overcome selective mutism if it is caught early enough.
There is no evidence to suggest that children with selective mutism are more likely to have experienced trauma or abuse.
There is also no evidence of a link between selective mutism and autism, although it is perfectly possible for a child to have both.
Others might have a speech and language disorder or a hearing problem, which can increase levels of anxiety and make it even more difficult to speak.
Some children find it so distressing being separated from their parents that they are unable to speak, and they become selectively mute with the adults who try to settle them.
In the majority of cases, however, children are severely affected and tend to avoid communication altogether. They may manage to respond with a few words, or in a whisper.
Experts think of selective mutism as a phobia of talking to certain people. The exact cause is unclear, but it has been associated with anxiety.
Children who suffer from selective mutism generally have a tendency towards anxiety and may find it difficult to take everyday events in their stride.
In some cases, an otherwise confident child with selective mutism may use other means of communication, such as hand gestures or body language.
A child with selective mutism may avoid eye contact and appear otherwise socially awkward. They may be stubborn or aggressive and more prone to temper tantrums.
When expected to speak with someone outside their comfort zone, the child may react with a sudden stillness and frozen facial expression.
However, a person with selective mutism is able to converse normally in other situations where they feel comfortable.
We are still learning about selective mutism, and in fact it is more common than you might think. It is estimated to affect about one in 140 young children.
The main symptom of selective mutism is a marked contrast in the way a child interacts with different people.
The onset of selective mutism normally happens between the ages of two and four. Often it is first picked up upon when a child begins to interact with people outside their family, such as schoolmates.
It is important to recognize that a person who suffers from selective mutism does not simply decide not to speak in certain situations.
Selective mutism normally develops during childhood, and in certain cases it can continue into adulthood.
In many cases of selective mutism, the sufferer will learn to recognize situations in which they freeze, and try to avoid these situations at all costs.
Rather, a freeze response is triggered in them with feelings of panic, and this renders speaking quite literally impossible.
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder that renders a person unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with schoolmates in the playground.
It is also more common in people who are learning a second language, such as people who have migrated from their country of origin.
If you suspect your child may have selective mutism and there is no help available at their school, seek a formal diagnosis from a speech and language therapist.
Selective mutism is best described as an anxiety disorder that causes a normally verbal person to be unable to speak when exposed to certain situations. While it is estimated to affect around one in 140 young children, awareness about selective mutism is relatively low. That said, there are certain misconceptions about the condition that have to be dispelled.
Check out this gallery to learn about selective mutism and what can be done about it.
Selective mutism: symptoms, causes, and treatment
Learn all about this slippery but severe anxiety disorder
HEALTH Anxiety
Selective mutism is best described as an anxiety disorder that causes a normally verbal person to be unable to speak when exposed to certain situations. While it is estimated to affect around one in 140 young children, awareness about selective mutism is relatively low. That said, there are certain misconceptions about the condition that have to be dispelled.
Check out this gallery to learn about selective mutism and what can be done about it.