Have you noticed that your child communicates easily at home, but has trouble talking to others at school or other places? Possibly it is selective mutism. This is an inability to speak in certain social situations, in which a child can speak normally at home, but it is difficult for him to speak with his classmates, or in other places and situations.
Selective mutism occurs between 5 and 8 years of age, and is a rare disorder that tends to occur more frequently in women than in men. According to studies, about 90% of children with selective mutism suffer from a form of social phobia.
Selective mutism symptoms are as follows:
-Children communicate normally in certain social situations, such as at home. However, at school, they don’t utter a single word. You can even get to play but without verbal communication.
-This disorder lasts about a month, but it can spread if there are anxiety problems.
-Children with this problem are very shy, negative and controlling. They show anger for any reason, and they also have difficulty separating from Mom. Many of them show social rejection and isolate themselves.
-On occasions, they usually communicate with gestures, drawings or writing.
It is important to identify if your child has selective mutism, since it could present social and interpersonal limitations, in addition to influencing his school performance.