Selective Mutism Awareness Month

By Christine Larsen, MS, LBS, Behavioral Health Manager

October is Selective Mutism Awareness Month. Selective Mutism is classified under anxiety disorders in the DSM-5 and appears to be associated with social anxiety. Individuals with Selective Mutism can be social and talkative in some settings (at home; in small groups), but unable to speak in other settings (with unfamiliar people; in large groups). In the IDD population, Selective Mutism occurs at a slightly higher rate. Identifyingand treating Selective Mutism in the IDD population is often complicated by anoverlap in behaviors or traits; “diagnostic overshadowing” by clinicians; and symptom presentation, duration, and prognosis differing from what’s defined inthe DSM-5 and current research, since mental illness in the IDD population doesn’t always follow the typical course.

Encourage your staff and colleagues to promote acceptance and awareness of Selective Mutism by using the following talking points:

References and resources:

https://www.selectivemutism.org/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12789166/

For more information on Anxiety Disorders in the IDD population, register for this FREE virtual training through PCHC in November: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bg_m5R9ETPKR3iY0eiulJw#/registration

‍

1. It’s not a choice.  Selective Mutism was once believed to be an act of deliberate defiance. We now know that it’s an anxiety disorder that’s closely related to social phobias.
2. Did you know? Having an Autism Spectrum Disorder used to be considered exclusionary criteria for a Selective Mutism diagnosis. Because this is no longer the case, it’s very possible that Selective Mutism occurs at a higher rate in the IDD population than what’s currently being reported.
3. Is it sensory or social? Behaviors of sensory overload and social overwhelm can look the same to the untrained eye. If an individual is withdrawing insocial settings or the function of their behavior is avoidance or escape in settings outside the home, look into whether it’s a sensory sensitivity (i.e. a crowded room being too noisy) or a social issue (too many people; unfamiliar people). Properly assessing behavioral antecedents will better determine appropriate interventions.