Selective Mutism: Understand and Cope Up With Selective Mutism

by Dr. Elizabeth

Often defined as "social phobia's cousin" and misdiagnosed as autism, selective mutism is a debilitating fear of speaking in some situations experienced by some children. The disorder usually presents in kids before the age of five, but it may not be recognized until the child starts school. When asked to talk, children with selective mutism often look down, express anxiety, or otherwise blush that disrupts their engagement with people and activities. Selective mutism is related to social phobia and social anxiety, and more than 95 percent of children with selective mutism also exhibit symptoms of one of these problems. This book is the first accessible for parents of children with selective mutism. It offers a broad overview of the condition and examines the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. The book details a plan you can use to coordinate the professional treatment of your child's disease. It also explains the steps you can take on your own to encourage your child to speak comfortably in school and his or her peer group. All of the book's strategies employ a gradual, "stepladder" approach. The techniques gently assist children in speaking more, while at the same time helping them feel safe and supported.

114 pages, Paperback

Published November 1, 2019