SELECTIVE MUTISM SUPPORT GROUP FOR PARENTS

Do you know a child who
never talks, talks to a select  few, or only whispers?

Parent
support group  lead by a parent whose child was selectively mute.
 Parents will share concerns, strategies and interventions.  This is
not for soliticators and not a business card exchange.



What
is A child who never talks, talks to a select few, or only whispers
may Selective Mutism? be suffering from an anxiety disorder called
Selective Mutism (SM). A child with SM literally cannot talk in certain
settings. The majority of children with SM also have social phobia, which
begins to explain their difficulty interacting in social
situations. Children with SM often have difficulty smiling in social
situations, looking others in the eye, and may look away when confronted
or spoken to. These outward symptoms of SM may be mistaken as being stubborn, being
disrespectful, being willful, trying to get attention, or trying
to control a situation. This is certainly not the case as children with
SM become so anxious, they simply cannot speak.Diagnostic The Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-IV, Criteria published by
the American Psychiatric Association, outlines the following criteria for
diagnosing SM.1. Child does not speak in certain places such as school.2. But,
can speak normally in other settings where he/she is comfortable and
relaxed (often at home).3. Child’s inability to speak interferes with ability
to function in educational and/or social settings.4. Mutism has persisted
for at least one month.5. Mutism is not part of a communication disorder such
as stuttering, and is not due to other conditions such as autistic
spectrum disorders.Social Phobia According to studies, approximately 90%
of children with SM suffer from social phobia. Social phobia is a
persistent fear of social or performance situations. Many of these
children feel like they are “on stage” every minute of the day! This is
evident by their uncomfortable body language when any attention is brought
to them. 



Solicitors
are discouraged from attending.