What behavior characteristics does a child with Selective Mutism portray in social settings?
It is important to realize that the majority of children with Selective Mutism are as normal and are as socially appropriate as any other child when in a comfortable environment.Parents will often comment how boisterous, social, funny, inquisitive, extremely verbal, and even bossy and stubborn these children are at home!What differentiates most children with Selective Mutism is their severe behavioral inhibition and inability to speak and communicate comfortably in most social settings. Some children with Selective Mutism feel as though they are ‘on stage’ every minute of the day!This can be quite heart wrenching for both the child and parents involved.Often, these children show signs of anxiety before and during most social events.Physical symptoms and negative behaviors are common before school or social outings. It is important for parents and teachers to understand that the physical and behavioral symptoms are due to anxiety and treatment needs to focus on helping the child learn t
