Refusing to speak’…’being difficult’…’naughty’…

These terms have often been used when describing children with a condition called ‘Selective Mutism’, but in actual fact they couldn’t be further from the truth.

Selective mutism is a condition that is not well-understood and in many cases is misdiagnosed. The name itself is a misnomer, implying that there is an element of choice involved – that the child, teenager (or in some cases even an adult) is simply choosing not to speak. This is not the case. The fundamental difference is that the individual literally cannot speak. This is usually because of an intense social phobia or anxiety.

An article from Joanna Moorhead in the Guardian this week (http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/jun/15/selective-mutism-complex-problem) discusses the difficulties in diagnosing, treating and living with an individual with selective mutism. It refers to Maggie Johnson, a specialist speech & language therapist who is widely regarded as being one of the UK’s leading experts in the condition.

Johnson notes that many of the individuals she sees with selective mutism feel a physical tightness or closing sensation around their throat that prevents them from being able to speak in certain social situations. In comfortable, stress-free environments like home, this sensation does not occur. However in situations where there may be pressure to speak – such as school – it can be debilitating.

Johnson suggests that selective mutism is an acute form of social anxiety, and that the impact it can have on the individual and their family can be enormous. She emphasises that with a prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment, it can be a passing phase for many children, particularly those under the age of 5. If left unaddressed however, it can becoming a persisting difficulty progressing into adolescence and adulthood, and can severely affect an individual’s social communication, education and independence. For teenagers particularly, being unable to speak in class or even ask for a ticket on the bus can leave them open to bullying, extreme self-consciousness and low self-esteem.

Diagnosis and treatment of selective mutism varies within the NHS, depending on local Trust policies. Some Trusts will use educational psychologists alone to assess and manage the condition, whereas others will also involve speech & language therapists.

If you suspect your child may have selective mutism, or if they have received a diagnosis but are not able to access speech & language therapy on the NHS, I.T.S. can be of help. For more information, please visit our ‘Contact Us’ page: https://integratedtreatmentservices.co.uk/contact-us/

Further Information

Johnson, M. (2001). The Selective Mutism Resource Manual. Speechmark Publishing Ltd.

Selective Mutism Information & Research Association (SMIRA) – http://www.selectivemutism.co.uk

Sarah Bennington – June 2010 

 Written on behalf of Integrated Treatment Services. I.T.S is a private Speech and Language Therapy service based in Leicestershire and the East Midlands. It specialises in providing highly-skilled Speech and Language Therapists, but also associates with other therapeutic professionals, including Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Psychologists and Creative Expressive Therapists.

 

 


Related Content