Selective Mutism Therapy in Los Angeles
If your child has difficulty speaking to strangers, or even their own friends and family members, but no difficulty speaking to immediate family members or others they’re comfortable with, they may be suffering from selective mutism (SM).
SM causes children to fall behind socially and academically. Thankfully there are proven, evidence-based treatments to help.
3-4
The age when children typically begin to exhibit SM traits.
1 in 100
The number of children that will be affected by SM in childhood.
High
Negative impact on quality of life for children and their families.
What is Selective Mutism?
If your child is afraid to speak around certain people - like adults or strangers - or in certain situations - like at school - he or she may be suffering from selective mutism.
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by an inability to speak in certain settings and to certain people. While commonly conceptualized simply as "shyness" or “just a phase” by teachers and pediatricians, SM is in fact a clinical disorder that can severely impair a child's ability to live a happy and healthy life.
The good news is that SM is a treatable disorder, and with the right therapy your child can get better.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs of SM can often be mistaken for "shyness". Often, the child will talk freely at home, but has difficulty speaking with adults, particularly teachers or other caretakers. The child may also have a hard time making new friends.
The signs of SM usually start to appear when the child is 3 or 4 years old, but can affect children into their teens. Some examples are an inability to ask for help from teachers, a fear of attending a birthday party or play dates where there may be an expectation to speak, or inability to answer questions from others.
Difficulty speaking with adults and peers
Avoidance of situations where there may be an expectation to speak
Difficulty making or keeping friends
Missing out on important aspects of childhood due to inability to speak or engage
Selective Mutism Treatment
Treatment starts with getting a diagnosis. Work with a psychologist or contact us to schedule an assessment for your child.
The best, most evidence-based treatment practice for SM includes gradual exposure to speaking in situations and with individuals that are feared. Because traditional child therapy relies on communication between a therapist and a child, SM requires a very specialized approach. Our psychologists at WaveMind are highly specialized SM experts. Your therapist will gradually work with you and your child to approach the situations that are difficult. By moving slowly and building your child's confidence one situation at a time, your child's brave behavior is positively reinforced.
Part of an evidence-based treatment plan is also giving you, as the parent, the skills to work with your child in real-life settings, so that once therapy is over you can continue practicing together.
How to Get Your Child Help
Get Diagnosis
Get your child assessed by a trained psychologist to determine whether or not he/she has SM.
3. Skills & Exposures
You will learn very specific skills to encourage your child to speak and engage. Your child is gradually exposed to the situations that trigger their anxiety. Over time, these situations become more normal and easier for your child to engage.
2. Develop Treatment Plan
Your clinician will work with you to create a treatment plan that helps your child without pushing them too far.
4. Follow Up
You will learn the skills to continue helping your child after your treatment completes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is selective mutism a form of autism?
SM is only noticeable in certain situations, like at school or around adults. Children with autism, or other communication disorders, will have difficulty speaking in all situations.
Does SM go away?
It's not clear whether children can grow out of SM. Many children may “outgrow” an inability to speak, but what we do know, however, is that treating SM becomes much more difficult the older a child is. Untreated SM may manifest into other difficulties later in childhood or life such as depression or other anxiety problems. Furthermore, the more time spent not seeking treatment means the more social and academic situations your child is missing out on.