Selective Mutism Disorder in Children and Young Adults

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In this report, I’m going to present an objective analysis of a medical condition known as “selective mutism disorder” which is commonly present in children and young adults. To give a factual explanation, I conducted the interview for a test subject, a 5-year-old child who was suffering from this condition. The aim of this study is to give a synopsis of this interview while addressing key points related to selective mutism disorder which would include discussions on genetics, heredity, nutrition, eating behavior and social settings which constitute the environment surrounding the concerned patient.

The interview questions prepared for this test subject, henceforth called X (his parents as well as teachers included) are outlined as below.

What are the major characteristics of X’s condition?
What do you believe is the real cause for this condition?
Are there any other disorders as well? E.g. autism, Asperger’s syndrome etc.
What are the major symptoms of X’s condition?
What was the initial prognosis which confirmed X’s condition?
What therapeutic interventions were pursued or will be pursued in future?

Subject X, true to the symptoms of this medical condition, was not very cooperative in speaking about his problems. This implied I had to rely more on recorded statements from his parents as well as teachers. Selective mutism is an anxiety-based speaking disorder where the subject (usually children, but could be young adults as well) is unable to speak in social settings, especially to teachers, students and strangers (McHolm, Cunningham & Vanier, 2005, p.1).

While similar in symptoms and behavior to introverted kids, the problem of selective mutism in children is far more complex, and is taken very seriously by medical experts. Children that are somewhat withdrawn in nature, usually face no problems as adults because there is no genetic component to their problem. Besides, prolonged exposure to interactive social environments in the long run helps them come out of their shell and develop well-rounded personalities.

However, the same does not happen in the case of selectively muted children because their problem is rooted in family ancestries. Such children actually need medical intervention in order to overcome their difficulties in conversing with strangers even if they face desperate situations such as asking for emergency help (Selective Mutism FAQs, 2010).

In a recorded case in New York City, it was found that a child who got stuck in a building elevator for 16 hours did not seek assistance from strangers even though security assistance was round the corner (McHolm, Cunningham & Vanier, 2005, p.34). It was later found that he was suffering from selective mutism (McHolm, Cunningham & Vanier, 2005, p.34). The same situation would never arise had the child been simply introverted.

Today, 7 out of 1000 children face some degree of selective mutism disorder (Selective Mutism FAQs, 2010). In response to our first four questions regarding X’s disorder, I learnt that genetics was at the root of the problem. I found through the interview that X’s paternal grandfather had a similar tendency to face difficulty while peaking freely in social situations. However, back then, the proper medical term for this disorder was not that well known.

A common cause for selective mutism disorder is the lack of proper nutrition. Fortunately, in this case, both the parents as well as teachers reported that the child’s eating habits did not go against a normal nutrition plan. Also, based on my personal observation, his physical growth (height and weight) could be considered normal for his age.

Some of the symptoms associated with the selective mutism condition included little eye contact and emotional withdrawal and a strong tendency to sulk (Selective Mutism FAQs, 2010). X’s parents had consulted pediatricians who did not believe the child could have been suffering from any other disorder such as autism or Asperger’s syndrome.

The child was also suffering at school to his unique condition. He would often fail to memorize sums or learn new alphabets, shapes and patterns. Doctors attributed this condition to the child’s anxiety issues which cause selectively muted patients to feel nervous while learning new concepts and ideas (Kearney, 2010, p.24).

Indeed, in order to ensure that the child did not face any problems in his learning activities, his teachers had him transferred to a special care class. This is based on the premise that sensory and motor inputs in the learning environment affect a child’s propensity to suffer from selective mutism condition (Kearney, 2010, p.21). In order to initiate therapeutic healing, a safe and sound learning environment must be provided.

The parents have also tried to encourage non-verbal communication (McHolm, Cunningham & Vanier, 2005, p.3) for further therapeutic healing. The teachers have tried to find out if the kid has a real hobby so they can reward him for succeeding in that behavior. So far, they didn’t find anything worth note because the child would simply prefer to be all by himself.

In conclusion, the doctor recommends the child to be sent to a special treatment home where his activities can be constantly monitored to prepare a psychological profile. Based on such a report, a slow, sustained progression can be made which would help him attain the necessary social skills and get rid of performance anxiety while speaking. It is clear that the child has some deep psychological issues which have to be resolved if further progress is to be made on this case.

References

Kearney, C.A. (2010). Helping Children with Selective Mutism and their Parents. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

McHolm, A.E., Cunningham, C.E. & Vanier, M.K. (2005). Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism: Practical Steps to Overcome a Fear of Speaking. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Selective Mutism. (2010). Selective Mutism FAQs. Web.

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Selective Mutism Disorder in Children and Young Adults

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