Mutism

Mutism - Maddie

Mutism

- usually occurs in childhood - person can’t speak in certain situations where you are expected to speak, but can in others (when at home, comfortable, etc) - not due to lack of knowledge of how to speak or a communication disorder (stuttering) - Believed that it has to do with social anxiety (social phobia) or just anxiety about anything - Treatment: behavior modification therapy, antidepressants - Can speak and understand, but don’t speak - Lasts for 1 month or more - Effects daily life - Some have history of speech problems - Extreme shyness → may be passed on genetically - Individual or family counseling can help - Psychotherapy - To force, trick, punish person to speak does not help

- Prior
 * Connection to Book**

[] []