SELECTIVE MUTISM (SM)

Children  with selective Mutism are talkative at home but unable to speak in public settings like schools, gatherings etc. 

When children are unable to speak around certain people or in certain settings, they may have an anxiety disorder called Selective Mutism. (SM)

It's common for kids with SM to be very chatty at home with family but silent at school.

The disorder might not be diagnosed until he/she is school aged when their problem with speaking becomes more apparent.

Typically, kids with SM are mild mannered and polite in classroom setting so their silence may be misinterpreted as shyness and never addressed as a possible barrier to their learning.

SM can cause significant impairment in a child's life. It can interfere with kid's performance at school both academically and socially.

It can prevent kids from asking for help when need it, like telling their teacher when they need to use the bathrooms.

It can prevent a kid from engaging in many fun activities that require verbal communication, including play dates.

The good news is that with the right help, kids with Selective Mutism cat get better withthe right management and therapeutic skills.