Is Selective Mutism Caused by Abuse?
Unfortunately the lack of research has left much to speculate. Due to the misdiagnosis of the symptoms, some parents have been suspected or accused of child abuse. Sexual abuse has been suspected as well. The Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc. wishes to emphasize the vital need to clarify these unjust assumptions. The suspicion or accusation of parental child abuse is devastating and has caused tremendous grief and prevented many families from seeking help for their children. There is always a possibility that some children who have been abused do not not speak. However, the abuse may not be specific to immediate family members, but could occur from any adult, or even other children. We advise contacting the appropriate agencies only if there is a definite indication of abuse. The cause has not yet been established. Current systematic research studies are under investigation for the possibility of a genetic influence or vulnerability for SM. The majority of families have described eithe
