Selective Mutism Flashcards
1
Q
What is Selective Mutism
A
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterised by a child or adolescent’s inability to speak in one or more social settings, despite being about to speak comfortably in other settings.
2
Q
Is SM an anxiety disorder?
A
Yes
3
Q
Is SM an inability to speak?
A
No
4
Q
Is SM an unwillingness to speak?
A
No
5
Q
What are the symptoms of anxiety?
A
- Avoiding
- Physical tension
- Lack of facial expression
- Appear helpless
- No strategy to cope with new or difficult situations that may lead to anxiety
6
Q
What distinguishes that children are selectively mute?
A
The persistence over time and the intensity of the silence
7
Q
What are the impacts on the child?
A
- Frustration
- Feelings of injustice- being viewed as naughty
- Educational
- Social
- Being the non-speaker becomes part of who they are
8
Q
What are the causes of SM?
A
• Predisposing factors:
- Family history
• Precipitating factors:
- Frequent moves or migration
- Self-awareness of SLC issue the idea of being teased for it
• Perpetuating factors
- Over acceptance
- Negative models of communication
9
Q
What does SLT aim to achieve?
A
- Minimize the negative impact on the child
- Prevent the situation from getting worse
- Prevent the behaviour from becoming entrenched
- Prevent repeated ineffective attempts to elicit speech
- Prevent the child from taking on a non-speaking role
- Minimize the emotional and physical drain on teachers and parents
- Reduce Anxiety
- Build Self-Esteem
- Develop Confidence
10
Q
What are the consequences?
A
Academic achievements…
- Can’t ask for help
- Can’t show that they understand
- Can’t meet their potential (self-fulfilling prophecy)
- Avoidance to go to school leading to a gap in education
- Underachievement
- Misinterpretation
Social development… - School refusal - Social isolation - Withdrawal - Unhealthy relationships Emotional development…
- Self-esteem and confidence
- Anxiety
- Effect on family relationships
