We all know that sometimes professionals get it wrong – they are only human. There are a few obvious problems with this but the one l intend to focus on is the spread of misinformation that is often caused. When it comes to selective mutism it seems false information has spread like a virus. Everyone is infected. Some believe in different conspiracies of where it came from. Others are completely denying its existence. The truth seems to be buried under all of his resulting in children and young people without support and an understanding from others.

In the run-up to our webinar all about selective mutism in children on 6 March, we are going to be looking in this blog at some of the truths about selective mutism. If you want to know more about the upcoming webinar or to book on, then visit here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1001260606427

What is selective mutism really?

Selective Mutism is considered to be a severe anxiety disorder where an individual becomes unable to speak in certain social situations. However, describing it as an anxiety disorder doesn’t quite help understand the condition. It can be better described as a behaviour that occurs during a situation where an individual does not feel safe. Behaviour is communication, and in knowing that we can seek to know what the cause of this behaviour is.

Situational Mutism is a much more apt way to describe it. A situation triggers a freeze response where an individual loses the ability to communicate verbally.

It is NOT a conscious decision to not talk

It is NOT elective

It IS a form of communication that needs are not met

It can be a TRAUMA response

The difference between anxiety and hypervigilance?

Knowing the difference between anxiety and hypervigilance is key to understanding Selective Mutism.

When we experience anxiety, that is our bodies way of alerting us of danger.

When we become hypervigilant, we are assuming that danger is already there which creates a state of constant anxiety.

Early Signs of Selective Mutism

Feeling safe in your environment

Key to supporting children with selective mutism is to make their environment feel safe. There are several ways we can do that: