Question 1

why would my 5yo develop selective mutism?

Accepted Answer

Attention/avoidance: Elective mutism is occasionaly seen as early as 3-5 yr in two general groups. One includes immature, oppositional or unresposive kids who use it as an attention seeking tool or to evade discussions. Another group are anxious & fearful and elect to decrease their anxiety by avoidance. By definition both groups have normal language skills when they speek. Talk with your dr if this continues.

Question 2

can i homeschool my 5 year old daughter who has selective mutism?

Accepted Answer

Why not?: I do not see any reason why that would be harmful. She will certainly talk. I am unaware of any advantage to a large classroom for a selectively mute person as they talk when they choose. She will benefit form therapy to help her overcome it with time, but homeschool might be the perfect setting for her.

Question 3

how to cure selective mutism on my own?

Accepted Answer

Get help: A number of different approaches have been used in attempts to treat selective mutism. Recent opinion has moved away from the idea that it is caused by a trauma, and attempts to treat it have followed accordingly. The factors that are most intensively studied at present are underlying anxiety problems.  In few cases trauma is  the source of the problem.  No self cure for mutism has been reported.

Question 4

how can u get over selective mutism?

Accepted Answer

Shyness: Force yourself to simply start a conversation with someone you are around...For example. Go to the coffee house and strike up a conversation about anything with the coffee employee.

Question 5

is there any way to overcome selective mutism?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Selective mutism is often connected with anxiety or depression. If either or both of those problems are improved, then communication often improves. This may invovlve the use of medication, but it would also be worthwhile to utilize the therapy setting  as well so that the person involved can practice communicating in a saffe and trusting environment.

Question 6

my daughter has selective mutism how can you help?

Accepted Answer

Evaluate and Treat: If you have not done so already, it would be good for your daughter to be evaluated by a mental helath professional who is familiar with selective mutism. Therapy can be helpful, and antidepressant medications can help decrease the anxiety that is commonly associated with this condition.

Question 7

can people with asperger's syndrome have selective mutism?

Accepted Answer

Why not.: All of these "problems" exist on a spectrum. You can have asperger's, but be just as functional -- and able to choose your own particular form of "resistance" (i.e.: "mutism") -- as your non-asperger's friend.

Question 8

what other symptoms does selective mutism have besides the speech problem?

Accepted Answer

Excessive shyness &: Selective mutism is typicaly a symptom of anxiety disorder.  Other symptoms associated include excessive shyness, withdrawal, dependency on parents, and oppositional behavior.

Question 9

is it possible to get selective mutism treat at the age of 17? or is it only treatable in children?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Therapy at any age is beneficial. I suggest the younger the better for socialization, but anytime the therapy will benefit the patient and family.

Question 10

what is selective mutism?

Accepted Answer

Selective mutism: Is a psychiatric disorder where a person who is normally capable of speech is unable to speak in a given situation or to specific people, usually coexists with shyness or social anxiety.

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Why would my 5yo develop selective mutism

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Why would my 5yo develop selective mutism?

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Can i homeschool my 5 year old daughter who has selective mutism?

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How to cure selective mutism on my own?

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How can u get over selective mutism?

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Is there any way to overcome selective mutism?

A member asked:

My daughter has selective mutism how can you help?

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Can people with asperger's syndrome have selective mutism?

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What other symptoms does selective mutism have besides the speech problem?

A member asked:

Is it possible to get selective mutism treat at the age of 17? or is it only treatable in children?

A member asked:

What is selective mutism?

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