Mutism is a treatable complication and it can be treated by placing the child and education and solving environmental and social problems. But if it is not paid attention to and the child is not treated, this complication can remain in the child. This causes damage to social relationships and decreases the child's self-confidence. To treat mutism, the child must be under the supervision of an experienced speech therapist to be treated with speech therapy, play therapy, and behavioral therapy. What is mutism or selective muteness? Mutism is when a child cannot speak in certain situations, but can speak well in other places. For example, a child may not be able to speak at school, but can speak without problems at home. It is called mutism or selective muteness because the child cannot speak only in certain situations. This is a rare childhood condition. It can cause problems in school and social situations. A child with mutism may find certain social situations very stressful. This may cause so much anxiety that the child feels unable to speak. Selective lisping is not caused by the child's willful refusal to speak. In some cases, the child may also have other speech problems. But in many cases, the child may have no problem at all when he feels comfortable. Mutism often begins in very young children, around the ages of 2 to 4 years. But it may not be diagnosed until the child starts school What causes mutism? There is no known cause for mutism. Researchers are still learning about factors that can lead to mutism, such as: - An anxiety disorder - Weak family relationships - Untreated psychological issues - Self-esteem problems - Problem in sound processing - Speech or language problems, such as stuttering - Family history of anxiety disorders - A traumatic experience - Mutism can also be seen in families. What are the symptoms of mutism? The main symptom of mutism is not speaking for a month or more only in certain social situations. The problem is not due to another communication disorder such as autism. And it is not because of not knowing the spoken language. Some children with mutism may show other symptoms, such as: - Anxiety - Social withdrawal - Too shy - Obsessive compulsive disorder - Depression - Growth delay - Communication disorders - Excretion disorders (urine or feces) How is mutism diagnosed? Your child's speech, language and swallowing specialist will ask you about your child's medical history and signs and symptoms. You will be asked about your child's speech and language development. It may help to bring academic reports and comments from your child's teachers at the appointment. Your child's speech therapist may want to see your child at home and at school. You may be asked to film your child at home or at school. Your child will undergo a medical examination. This includes examining your child's ears, lips, tongue, and jaw. Your child may also have a neurological exam. He may also need a hearing test. Here the speech therapist is looking to rule out other medical conditions such as schizophrenia. Other health care providers may help evaluate your child. These may include a speech-language pathologist (SLP) and a psychologist or psychiatrist. A speech therapist, or SLP, can evaluate your child's ability to understand and use language. A psychologist can help find emotional issues that may be causing the condition. How is mutism treated? Treatment will vary based on your child's needs and may include the **following**: 1. Eliminating the stimulus and tension of mutism: engage the child in a calm situation with someone who can talk freely with him and then gradually introduce a new person into the room. 2. Model your child's behavior: Use a structured approach to reinforce and encourage all your child's attempts to communicate, such as pointing or whispering until they reach audible speech. Encourage your child and boost his confidence: This can be done by watching a video of your good communication at home to boost your child's confidence. 3. Speech therapy: if needed, this can be done for underlying speech problems. Family and behavioral therapy: These can help with emotional issues. Some medications may be used to reduce anxiety. 4. Talk to your child's teachers: Your child's teachers can help make communication at school less intimidating. For example, a teacher may ask your child to speak in small groups at first rather than with the whole class. ** With treatment, it is possible that the child will not have permanent mutism. Without treatment, speech problems are likely to persist.** How is mutism managed? It is important to be patient with your child. Remember, your child is not choosing not to talk. Your child is too anxious to speak. For best results, stay closely involved in your child's treatment. You may be able to find ways to structure situations outside the home that can increase your child's communication. Work closely with your child's teachers. For more advice, contact Del Ara speech therapy and occupational therapy clinic. At Del Ara speech therapy and occupational therapy clinic, we are responsive and solve your child's problems related to mutism. Key points about mutism Mutism is when a child cannot speak in certain situations, but can speak well in other places. For example, a child may not be able to speak at school, but can speak without problems at home. It is called selective muteness because the child mutes only in certain situations. This is a rare childhood condition. It can cause problems in school and social situations. Some children have other problems, such as shyness, developmental delays, or language problems. A pediatrician, a speech-language pathologist, and a psychologist may work together to diagnose and treat this condition. Your child may need a combination of different types of treatment. With treatment, most children overcome selective stuttering. More tips about mutism **Tips to help you get the most out of your speech therapist appointment:** - Know the reason for your visit and know what is happening. - Write down the questions you want to answer before your visit. - Bring someone with you to help you ask questions and remember what the provider tells you. - At the visit, write down the name of the new diagnosis and any new medication, treatment or test. Also write down any new instructions the provider gives you. - Know why a new drug or treatment is being prescribed and how it will help you. Also know what the side effects are. - Ask if your illness can be treated in other ways. - Know why a test or procedure is recommended and what the results can mean. - Know what to expect if you don't take the medicine or have a test or procedure. - If you have a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time and purpose of that visit. - Know how to contact your interpreter if you have any questions. **Mutism is a treatable complication and it can be treated by placing the child and education and solving environmental and social problems. But if it is not paid attention to and the child is not treated, this complication can remain in the child. This causes damage to social relationships and a decrease in the child's self-confidence**