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Selective Mutism: Does Your Child 'Shuts Down' In Front Of Others?

Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations.

Written by Kashish Sharma | Published : December 27, 2022 12:18 PM IST

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Selective Mutism In Children

Some people are shy or introverted. They might find themselves awkward around other people. If the fear stretches beyond a certain magnitude, it could be clinically called social anxiety. However, in rare cases, there is a possibility of the child or an adult completely go shut in front of others. Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations. Children affected by the condition might not speak with certain classmates or with relatives who don’t visit that often.

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Avoiding Eye Contact, Poorly Coordinated

People affected by the condition might avoid eye contact with others. Mostly common in children, they might become nervous, uneasy and socially awkward. They might also seem rude, disinterested and sulky. They might also seem too stiff or poorly coordinated in front of others.

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See Them Speaking In Empty Rooms

Children suffering from the disorder might not speak in front of specific people but can be seen talking with people whom they are comfortable with like parents, and siblings. Such children can also be seen talking with themselves in empty rooms. Their inability to speak often interferes with their life activities. Also Read - Eating Less But Gaining Weight? Your Thyroid Might Be To Blame

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More Prone To Infections

As per experts, such children are often prone to accidents and urinary tract infections. They might fail in asserting their needs for instance fearing taking permission from the teacher to empty their bladder.