by C L Smith

Created on: July 05, 2009   Last Updated: July 06, 2009

Introduction

Selective Mutism or Elective Mutism refers to a psychiatric disorder that most commonly occurs in children under the age of five. Children with the disorder consistently fail to speak in one social setting while being willing to speak in others. A child affected by the disorder will most often freely communicate with their parents and perhaps a small number of other people. A child experiencing the disorder will exhibit a number of symptoms including anxiety and social phobia. The cause of the disorder is unknown.

Organizations for Families of Children with Selective Mutism

Families with children dealing with Selection Mutism deal with many hardships. Fortunately, there are many organizations and websites that address the needs of mute children. Below are just a few of the organizations an websites that are available to assist you in obtaining information about this condition and its treatment.

Selective Mutism Foundation Inc.

P.O. Box 13133

Sissonville, WV 25360

Website: http://www.selectivemutismfoundation.org

The Selective Mutism Foundation is a national, non-profit health organization that was created to support families dealing with Selective Mutism (SM). The organization provides the information and tools that families affected by Selective Mutism require in order to properly evaluate their children and acquire the appropriate treatment for the disorder if necessary as well as assist the families in their efforts to fight the negative effects of the condition on the family. The organization also disseminates educational materials on selective mutism to professionals with the objective of increasing both the knowledge and the sensitivity of those responsible for the treatment of the individuals who experience the disorder. The organization also provides information to the general public.

The organization pursues an agenda based on the development and access to educational screening materials and care; the improvement of the treatments and medications available to the child who experiences the condition; and the investment in research to identify the cause and cure for this condition; and the development and implementation of interventions in public schools.

Selective Mutism Group

1130 Herkness Drive

Meadowbrook, PA 19046

Website: http://selectivemutism.org

The focus of the Selective Mutism Group web site is the provision of information regarding the disorder for the education of families affected by the disorder, the professionals

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>