Selective Mutism: What It Is And What Are The Causes

According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-5, selective mutism is defined as follows: “the child usually manifests communication skills in an adequate manner, although he only does so in certain contexts”.

Why does it happen? What is the cause why a child is mute in certain situations? Here are some of the reasons why this problem may arise.

Selective Mutism in Children

Selective mutism is more common in boys than in girls and only occurs in young children. However, it is important to give it special attention as it can cause great suffering. A person who is afraid of spiders cannot help running away or screaming when he sees this insect.

Thus, a child suffering from selective mutism cannot avoid being silent under certain circumstances. The reason is that mutism is largely related to anxiety, although cases are sparse and the reasons are not yet fully established.

Iván Carabanho Aguado, assistant physician in the pediatrics department at the 12 de October University Hospital in Madrid, says selective mutism is “a variety of anxiety disorder that can be hereditary and can be compared to extreme shyness.”

Mutism that continues into adulthood can cause many limitations and barriers at all levels. This can happen both when interacting with other people and when trying to access a job.

Factors that predispose to the problem

“The selective mutism. Guide for early detection, assessment and intervention at school” is a guide developed by the “Conduct Module of the Special Education Resource Center of Navarre (CREENA)”. This guide exposes some factors that can predispose a child to suffer from this disorder:

• Personality Characteristics: If a child is very shy or inhibited, he will be more likely to suffer selective mutism.
• Learning deficits: some examples might be stuttering, some delay in language, speech or lack of social skills.

• Family environment: if there is an avoidance model in your home and the style that one or both parents exert is one of overprotection or authoritarianism, the child may develop selective mutism.
• School context: an authoritarian or condescending teacher who favors “harmful” competition and makes fun of the child, may encourage the child to show muteness.

It is also necessary to take into account possible traumatic events that may condition the child to suffer this disorder. So if you suspect your child is suffering from selective mutism, take him to a professional.

What we should never do in a situation where a child doesn’t want to talk is to punish or scold him. This will only make the problem worse. We must try to understand and treat the child with care. On the other hand, we should also encourage her to interact with children she doesn’t know and help her expand her circle of friends.

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