Elective mutism

Elective mutism

Mutism is a condition where the patient refuses to speak or is unable to speak. The condition can affect adults or children, and can result from severe congenital deafness, severe manic depressive disease and some forms of schizophrenia.

Elective mutism is a very rare disorder of childhood, usually starting in the under five year old. The affected child is able to understand what is said to it, and though the child can speak properly, it elects not to speak most of the time. Nods and other gestures are then used as their means of coomunication.

Many of the children affected by elective mutism are shy individuals who are often stressed by social situations.

Some sufferers may be slightly mentally retarded, or may suffer from speech and language problems.

Thankfully, most cases of elective mutism only last from a few weeks to a few months.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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