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In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders selective mutism is described as a rare psychological disorder in children. Children (and adults) with the disorder are fully capable of speech and understanding language, but fail to speak in certain social situations when it is expected of them. They function normally in other areas of behaviour and learning, though appear severely withdrawn and some are unable to participate in group activities due to their extreme anxiety. It is like an extreme form of shyness, but the intensity and duration distinguish it. As an example, a child may be completely silent at school, for years at a time, but speak quite freely or even excessively at home.

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17y ago

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What are some reasons for selective mutism?

i have selective mutism myself and there is really no cause for it other then you have it in your genetics


What are some facts about selective mutism?

Selective mutism is when someone talks in some situations, such as at home or with their best friends, but can't talk in others, like at school, due to anxiety. You can get more information on wikipedia's selective mutism article and at selective mutism.com. Hope this helps!


Where can one learn about selective mutism?

The most reliable place to learn about selective mutism is from a local doctor or medical specialist, due to the range of possibilities associated with that disorder.


Do geniuses have selective mutism?

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder primarily seen in children, characterized by an inability to speak in certain social situations despite speaking in others. While it can occur in individuals of any intellectual level, including geniuses, it is not inherently linked to high intelligence. Geniuses may experience social anxiety or pressure, which could contribute to selective mutism, but this condition is more about anxiety than intelligence. Therefore, while some geniuses might have selective mutism, it is not a defining trait of their intellectual capacity.


How do you be in a relationship with a person with selective mutism?

Selective mutism is basically social anxiety. After you get past the first few stages of meeting someone, in any relationship, they open up to you fully. Same with someone with selective mutism. So being in a relationship with someone like that isn't hard after you get past their shell! They will only be like that with others, therefore, nothing from there should affect you being in a relationship with them.


Why is the TV show The Big Bang Theory's Raj shy around women?

He has selective mutism.


You have selective mutism everyone makes fun of you what do you do?

I don't like to hear about people making fun of someone that is selectively mute. The main problem is that there just is enough awareness about selective mutism and the anxiety that causes it! It is unfortunate, but there will always be people that feel it necessary to make fun of others especially when they don't understand something. The best advice I can give is to concentrate on coping with your anxiety to help you overcome your selective mutism. You can't change the people with the small minds. My advice is to see a Psychologist that is experienced in the filed of selective mutism. If you are in School, perhaps the Psychologist can meet with a Parent and School staff to develop a strategy to help you. Last but not least, consider medication to reduce the anxiety that you feel. You may not be able to change the people around you, but you can certainly work on beating the anxiety which is at the root of your selective mutism.


Selective mutism - resources?

Alternative NamesResources - selective mutismInformationThe following organization is a good resource for information on selective mutism:Selective Mutism and Childhood Anxiety Disorders - www.selectivemutism.org


Who is a person hesitant in talking to girls?

Someone who suffers from selective Mutism, like Rajesh Kutrapalli in the Big Bang Theory


How can parents effectively support and encourage a child with selective mutism to communicate and express themselves more comfortably?

Parents can effectively support a child with selective mutism by creating a safe and supportive environment, encouraging small steps towards communication, seeking professional help if needed, and being patient and understanding throughout the process.


Do some people with Aspergers Syndrome have selective mutism?

I have aspergers and find myself a chatterbox to a friend and rather silent to my mother. IDK :p She gets annoyed though but what can i say? People with aspergers may or may not experience selected mutism.


What is it called when you can't speak to the opposite gender like Raj from the Big Bang Theory?

Selective Mutism. An anxiety disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech is unable to speak in given situations, or to specific people. Selective mutism usually coexists with shyness or social anxiety. Hope this helps, there's articles online which go into more depth. :3