Children with selective mutism (SM) are talkative at home but unable to speak in school or other public places because they are paralyzed with anxiety. SM is usually discovered when kids are three or four, and it’s not uncommon for them to go a whole year without saying a word in preschool, even when they need help. Here you’ll find articles with more details on this anxiety disorder and the best treatments.
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Ask an Expert
All Ask an Expert- Can a special ed tutor help support a child with selective mutism?
- When should medication be used to treat selective mutism?
- What should a teacher do if parents aren’t concerned about selective mutism?
- Should my daughter who might have selective mutism switch classes?
- My son, who has been taking Prozac for selective mutism, is now completely verbal in school. When can we start taking him off it?
- My son with SM is now refusing to talk to his sister. What should we do?
- My niece refuses to speak around adults, but with kids she’s the leader of the group. Could she have SM?
- My daughter’s school would like her to repeat second grade. When is it good to keep a child back, if ever?
- My daughter doesn’t talk at school or karate. Any advice on getting her to speak?
- My 5-year-old has selective mutism and a life-threatening nut allergy. How can we keep her safe in school?
- My 10-year-old daughter with anxiety won’t participate in gym. Should we push her?
- I’m homeschooling my daughter with selective mutism because the school wouldn’t help her. Am I doing the right thing?
- How do you tell the difference between Asperger’s and selective mutism?
- How can you help a 16-year-old who still has selective mutism?
- Does selective mutism keep getting worse? My 3-year-old’s not talking seems to have spread from the classroom to the playground and family gatherings.
- Can my child have both autism and selective mutism, and be treated for both?
- A kindergarten student with SM refuses to use the bathroom at school. Do you have any suggestions?