Does your young one struggle to speak in social situations? Do you notice that your teen takes a long amount of time to open up and speak to others? Maybe your child’s teacher meets with you for a parent conference and informs you that your child does not answer when called upon or converse with others. These are all common behaviors seen in a child or teen with selective mutism.
Selective mutism in children is characterized as a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations. This can occur with classmates at school and also with relatives they do not see very often. Selective mutism typically begins in childhood and can often persist into adulthood if left untreated.
The Physiology of Selective Mutism in Children
It is important to note that an individual with selective mutism is not refusing to speak. Instead, this individual is physically unable to.
The inability to speak is triggered by a freeze response that occurs within the body. A freeze response happens when we feel stuck in a certain part of the body. You may experience a cold sensation or numbness, physical stiffness, heavy limbs, decreased heart-rate, restricted breathing, or holding of breath. Essentially, your body freezes as a way of protecting you from a perceived threat.
Signs of Selective Mutism
Selective mutism in children can be seen as early as ages 2 to 4 years old. It is often first noticed when a child begins to explore life outside of the home. This includes going off to school and being around other peers and adults. Selective mutism can also occur in new environments or public spaces that the child is not otherwise accustom to being in.
Common signs of selective mutism include:
- Nervousness or social awkwardness
- Unresponsive to conversation
- Clinging excessively to a parent or close friend
- Withdrawn
- Appears uninterested
- Tense, stillness, or poor coordination
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Frozen facial expression
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Causes of Selective Mutism in Children
The cause of selective mutism in children is not clear, however, it is believed to be undermined by anxiety. Selective mutism is also regarded as a phobia- the fear of speaking to certain people.
Separation from a parent or primary care taker can evoke a sense of fear or anxiety in a child. This anxiety can manifest in the inability to speak around other individuals or adults.
Furthermore, some children feel overwhelmed in busy or loud environments. Over stimulation and loud noises can often cause a child to “shut down” due to anxiety.
Children with speech or language disorders may experience high stress when it comes to speaking. Speech, language, and hearing problems can call be contributors to selective mutism in children.
Selective mutism can also develop as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder. A significant or distressing life event can trigger anxiety in children and can hinder their ability to speak in certain situations.
Wisdom Within Counseling specializes in supporting children with selective mutism.
At Wisdom Within Counseling, we offer a wide variety of creative and playful therapies for children with selective mutism.
Creative and Expressive Therapy for Selective Mutism
In most cases, traditional talk therapy is not an effective treatment method for children with selective mutism. Instead, creative and expressive therapies are a better suited option. These approaches allow children to have an outlet to express their inner thoughts and feelings in ways that go beyond words.
Art Therapy
Art therapy is a wonderful tool for children with selective mutism. Instead of being pressured to talk or listen to a therapist babble all session, art therapy allows a child to communicate at their own pace. In a session, your child can use finger paints or watercolors, sculpt something out of clay, create a vision board, or color.
Play Therapy
Maybe your child will not talk to a therapist directly, but feels more comfortable talking to toys, playing with puppets, or playing pretend. Play therapy allows a child with selective mutism to have a safe space to process big emotions or difficult life events.
Music Therapy
Music therapy is another effective approach for children with selective mutism. Similar to art and play therapy, music provides an escape for some children. It encourages children to be present and relieves anxiety. Soothing sounds and music can calm the nervous system and help children to feel safe.
Nature Therapy
Spending time outdoors is another way of helping support children with anxiety and selective mutism. Using chalk, playing in sand, being barefoot on the ground, and even gardening remind anxious children to be playful and explore the world around them.
At Wisdom Within Counseling, your child can play outside during their session with their therapist.
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