Can a 15 year old have selective mutism?
Can a 15 year old have selective mutism?
While selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder often associated with young children, teens and adults can also suffer from SM. In many cases, teens with SM have been struggling with anxiety for years.
How do teens treat selective mutism?
While treatment methods will vary from clinician-to-clinician, at Pinnacle Counseling and Testing Center, our treatment of adolescents and adults with Selective Mutism always involves a combination of psychoeducation on anxiety, coping-skills building, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Graduated Exposure (GE).
How can you help a child with selective mutism in the classroom?
Here are nine evidence-based tips on how to help a child with selective mutism in the classroom.
- Accept nonverbal communication at first.
- Avoid questions at first and ease into one-sided spoken communication.
- Ask forced-choice questions and give specific praise.
- Avoid mind-reading and reinforce speech, not gestures.
Is selective mutism a special educational need?
Children that suffer with selective mutism may need special accommodations to cope in school. Upon entrance into a public school or at any time during school, a child suspected to have a disability can be referred for a full and individual evaluation.
Is selective mutism caused by trauma?
Selective Mutism is therefore a symptom. Children are rarely “just mute.” Emphasis needs to be on causes of the mutism and propagating factors of mutism. Studies have shown no evidence that the cause of Selective Mutism is related to abuse, neglect or trauma.
What triggers selective mutism?
Researchers are still learning about factors that can lead to selective mutism, such as: An anxiety disorder. Poor family relationships. Untreated psychological issues. Self-esteem problems.
Can selective mutism be caused by trauma?
Does selective mutism qualify for 504 plan?
All children and teens diagnosed with Selective Mutism qualify for a 504 plan and IEP as school staff members are needed to aide in facilitation of communication. Meet with the school before the start of the school year to develop accommodations/interventions.
Does selective mutism count as a disability?
It’s National Developmental Disability Month. One disability not only hidden but most frequently overlooked is Selective Mutism.
How do you fix selective mutism?
Treatment of selective mutism can involve a combination of psychotherapy and medication, though psychotherapy is generally the first recommendation. Some children with selective mutism have a co-occurring speech and language disorder.
Is selective mutism a mental health issue?
Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed.
What disability category is selective mutism?
Children with selective mutism are often evaluated for one or both of the following eligibility categories: Emotional Disturbance (ED) and Other Health Impairment (OHI).