Some kids don’t speak. Not because they have a language processing or a physical disorder, but because they have severe anxiety.
They speak infrequently and only in certain situations because they’re fearful and anxious. They have selective mutism.
Starting in infancy, they may have tantrums, sleep problems and moodiness.
Kids who are selectively mute often have an inhibited temperament due to a small and over-excitable amygdala that causes them to shut down.
The amygdala is a small part of the brain that helps people protect themselves. With mutism, social situations are the threat.
Sensitivity to sounds, touch, taste, smells and light may cause tantrums. The main goal of treatment is to reduce anxiety.
Talk to your pediatrician or go online to selectivemutismcenter.org.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.
They speak infrequently and only in certain situations because they’re fearful and anxious. They have selective mutism.
Starting in infancy, they may have tantrums, sleep problems and moodiness.
Kids who are selectively mute often have an inhibited temperament due to a small and over-excitable amygdala that causes them to shut down.
The amygdala is a small part of the brain that helps people protect themselves. With mutism, social situations are the threat.
Sensitivity to sounds, touch, taste, smells and light may cause tantrums. The main goal of treatment is to reduce anxiety.
Talk to your pediatrician or go online to selectivemutismcenter.org.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At drclaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.
