Selective Mutism Flashcards
What is Selective Mutism characterized by?
High social anxiety leading to a child’s inability to speak in specific social situations where speaking is expected, despite speaking in other contexts.
How long must symptoms persist to meet the diagnostic criteria for Selective Mutism?
Symptoms must persist for at least one month
In which situations can children with Selective Mutism typically speak?
They can speak in certain situations such as at home, but not in other social settings.
What are some differential diagnoses to consider when evaluating Selective Mutism?
Silent period (learning a second language), communication disorders, Social Anxiety Disorder, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
What are some treatment approaches for Selective Mutism?
Parental and school involvement (without pressure on the child), teaching anxiety coping skills, speech therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or behavioral therapy.
What are key components of the assessment process for Selective Mutism?
Clinical interview with parents, child, and school personnel; observation in various settings (home, school, therapy sessions); speech and language assessments to rule out disorders; and functional assessment to understand the impact on daily functioning.
