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How to Treat Selective Mutism

December 10, 2019 | By Linda Fehrman
How to Treat Selective Mutism
Selective mutism, a psychiatric disorder, is found mostly in children and is illustrated by an inability to speak in specific social situations.

Children with selective mutism can speak but don't because of social anxiety. These children usually function normally in most other aspects of their lives.

4 Steps to Treat Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism

1. Search out a Therapist Specifically Trained İn Childhood Anxiety Conditions

Expect a complete assessment of issues including a mental health history. The history should include any circumstances that occured around the time your child stopped speaking, the duration of the mutism and what happened after the child didn't speak. Motor skills and social development are assessed as well.

2. Plan on Having Your Child and Family Participate İn Therapy

The therapy helps with learning recent ways to communicate and positive ways to deal with anxious behavior and tension.

3. Become Knowledgeable About the Disorder and İts Treatment

Successful short-term therapy can reduce your child's fears and return to normal functioning. Lowering anxiety, increasing confidence, enhancing communication skills and raising self esteem are the focus of treatment.

4. Follow Your Child's İndividualized Treatment Plan and Make Sure That You Allow Him to Play an Active Part İn the Process

In most cases, a mixture of behavioral, cognitive and family therapy facilitates the treatment process.

Tips & Warnings Avoid having expectations for verbalization in the beginning of therapy. As the child builds confidence and her anxiety diminishes, talking likely will follow.

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Linda Fehrman

Linda Fehrman

Linda began writing professionally in 2014. The majority of her work has been published on fitness, health-eating and relationships. Linda is well-versed and passionate about relationships, fitness and health issues.

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