SEN Web Links : Selective Mutism : SEN Teacher ~ Free teaching resources for Special Needs.

About Selective Mutism	Recommended Links
Selective Mutism (aka. Elective Mutism) is a childhood anxiety disorder characterisd by the persitent inability to communicate functionally in some contexts but not all. It is not a diagnosis applied where there is a deliberate refusal to speak or where other communication disorders or speech impediments are in evidence. Typically a child may communicate confidently and fluently at home, but be unable to communicate functionally in school or public contexts. Selective Mutism infers more than simple shyness, is not a reliable indicator of abuse or neglect and is rarely the result of trauma or specific incidents. There is some evidence that a genetic predisposition to anxiety can be involved, but this is not always the case. Selective Mutism affects around 1 in 1000 children (US Figure). Back to the list of links	Selective Mutism Group A US organisation including professionals, parents, sufferers and ex-sufferers. The website provides much information and includes many downloadable factsheets and articles concerning selective mutism. But She's a Chatterbox at Home! Article from That's Life Magazine about the experiences of Hannah, a young girl in the UK with elective mutism. SM Aware UK site aiming to raise awareness of selective mutism. Selective Mutism Foundation US Foundation, their site provides advise for professionals and parents as well as information about the SMF. SMIRA Selective Mutism Information & Research Association. UK voluntary organisation providing support, resources and advice. Speech Disorder Information on selective mutism from the Speech Disorder website.

About Selective Mutism

Recommended Links

Selective Mutism (aka. Elective Mutism) is a childhood anxiety disorder characterisd by the persitent inability to communicate functionally in some contexts but not all. It is not a diagnosis applied where there is a deliberate refusal to speak or where other communication disorders or speech impediments are in evidence.

Typically a child may communicate confidently and fluently at home, but be unable to communicate functionally in school or public contexts.

Selective Mutism infers more than simple shyness, is not a reliable indicator of abuse or neglect and is rarely the result of trauma or specific incidents. There is some evidence that a genetic predisposition to anxiety can be involved, but this is not always the case.

Selective Mutism affects around 1 in 1000 children (US Figure).

Back to the list of links

Selective Mutism Group
A US organisation including professionals, parents, sufferers and ex-sufferers. The website provides much information and includes many downloadable factsheets and articles concerning selective mutism.
But She's a Chatterbox at Home!
Article from That's Life Magazine about the experiences of Hannah, a young girl in the UK with elective mutism.
SM Aware
UK site aiming to raise awareness of selective mutism.
Selective Mutism Foundation
US Foundation, their site provides advise for professionals and parents as well as information about the SMF.
SMIRA
Selective Mutism Information & Research Association. UK voluntary organisation providing support, resources and advice.
Speech Disorder
Information on selective mutism from the Speech Disorder website.