Common Characteristics of Selectivey Mute People
Selective mutism is by definition
characterized by the following:
Besides lack of speech, other common
behaviors and characteristics displayed by selectively mute people
include:
On the positive side, many sufferers have:
*Many children with SM may seem overly affectionate because many use
hugging as a way to communicate to others that they care about them in
situations where they are unable to speak.
Example:
A selectively mute child may give each one of his teachers a long embrace
each time he sees them as a way to express his love and appreciation for that
person.
They may also be overly affectionate or seem clingy at home.
characterized by the following:
- Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (in which there is
an expectation for speaking, e.g., at school) despite speaking in other
situations. - The disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or
with social communication. - The duration of the disturbance is at least 1 month (not limited to the
first month of school). - The failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with,
the spoken language required in the social situation. - The disturbance is not better accounted for by a communication disorder
(e.g., stuttering) and does not occur exclusively during the course of a
pervasive developmental disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic
disorder.
Besides lack of speech, other common
behaviors and characteristics displayed by selectively mute people
include:
- Difficulty maintaining eye contact
- Blank expression and reluctance to smile
- Stiff and awkward movements
- Difficulty expressing feelings, even to family members
- Excessive shyness, fear of social embarrassment, and/or social isolation and
withdrawal - Tendency to worry more than most people of the same age
- Desire for routine and dislike of changes
- Sensitivity to noise and crowds
- Moodiness
- Sleep problems
On the positive side, many sufferers have:
- Above-average intelligence, perception, or inquisitiveness
- Creativity and a love for art or music
- Empathy and sensitivity to others' thoughts and feelings
- A strong sense of right and wrong
- Tendency to be very affectionate*
*Many children with SM may seem overly affectionate because many use
hugging as a way to communicate to others that they care about them in
situations where they are unable to speak.
Example:
A selectively mute child may give each one of his teachers a long embrace
each time he sees them as a way to express his love and appreciation for that
person.
They may also be overly affectionate or seem clingy at home.