Is Selective Mutism a Disability? How it Affects Children Academically & Emotionally

This rare anxiety disorder causes you to be unable to speak in certain situations, which can impact your life greatly, but is selective mutism a disability?

Selective mutism is a rare and complex disorder, it’s often misunderstood or even misdiagnosed. It typically affects children, causing them to be unable to speak in certain social situations, but is selective mutism a disability? To determine this we need to look at the impact it has on an individual’s life.

This post covers, what is selective mutism, is selective mutism a disability, tools and resources for selective mutism, symptoms that impair function, how it impacts children academically and emotionally, as well as special education programs to help students with selective mutism.

So, is selective mutism a disability?

 

What is Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that primarily affects children. They experience a fear of speaking or having their voice heard that causes them to be unable to speak in certain situations. On the other hand, they can speak in situations or around people they are comfortable with.

It’s a rare disorder that affects 1% of the population. The disorder is treatable and can be overcome with the use of therapy.

 

Related: What is Selective Mutism? And Why is It So Unheard Of?

 

Is Selective Mutism a Disability?

A disability is an impairment of the body or mind that limits your ability to do certain activities or interact with the world around you.

Many different types of disabilities affect areas such as:

• Vision
• Movement
• Thinking
• Remembering
• Learning
• Communicating
• Hearing
• Mental health
• Social relationships

According to the World Health Organization, a disability has three elements:

1. Impairment in a person’s body or mental function, such as loss of a limb, vision or hearing loss, or memory loss.
2. Activity Limitations, including difficulty hearing, seeing, or walking.
3. Participation Restrictions in activities such as working or engaging in social activities.

Selective mutism, as an anxiety disorder affects your mental health, limits your ability to communicate, and can affect your ability to make or maintain social relationships.

It causes an impairment and activity limitation in your ability to speak and can cause participation restrictions for many. People with SM often struggle to work or engage with their peers because of their disorder.

Therefore, selective mutism can be considered a disability.

 

Tools & Resources

This section contains affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a commission if you purchase through my link, at no extra cost to you. Please read the full disclosure for more information.

It can be hard to know where to begin if you suspect you or someone you know may have selective mutism, so here are some resources to get you started:

• Free Educator Toolkit for Teachers of Students with SM
• Overcoming Selective Mutism: The Parent’s Field Guide by Aimee Kotrba and Shari Saffer
• Being Brave with Selective Mutism by Rachel Busman
• The Selective Mutism Resource Manual by Maggie Johnson and Alison Wintgens

 

Symptoms that Impair Function

There’s a lot more to selective mutism than simply not speaking. It’s a disorder that affects your life in many different ways. Here are some of the other symptoms of selective mutism:

• Anxiety
• Social withdrawal
• Excessive shyness
• Compulsive traits
• Depression
• Developmental delay
• Communication disorders
• Difficulty making eye contact
• Presenting as behaviourally inhibited
• Fear of social embarrassment or making mistakes
• Clinging behaviour
• Avoiding social situations that may cause anxiety
• Temper tantrums, particularly at home
• Communicating in short or monotone phrases
• Communicating in an altered voice

As you can see, there’s much more to selective mutism than not speaking. It can affect a child’s ability to perform socially and academically, which greatly affects their growth and development.

 

How Selective Mutism Impacts Children Academically

Selective mutism can have an impact on a child’s academic performance in a variety of ways, such as:

 

1. Communication Challenges

Selective mutism can make it challenging for a child to participate in classroom discussions, answer questions, or ask for help. This can greatly hinder their ability to engage in the learning process.

 

2. Academic Progress

Because selective mutism can limit a child’s ability to communicate with teachers and students, it may affect their ability to fully grasp certain academic concepts. This can lead to underachievement or difficulties in keeping up with the curriculum.

 

3. Social Interaction

Children with selective mutism may struggle to build relationships with their peers due to their limited verbal communication. This can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can further impact their emotional well-being as well as their academic performance.

 

4. Teacher Misunderstanding

Teachers may misinterpret a child’s silence as a lack of knowledge or interest in the subject matter, or even as general defiance. This may impact how they view the child’s academic abilities or overall potential.

 

5. Anxiety and Stress

The underlying anxiety that accompanies selective mutism can be mentally and emotionally exhausting. The constant fear of speaking in certain situations can lead to heightened stress, making it even more challenging for the child to focus on school.

 

6. Limited Participation

Selectively mute children may avoid classroom activities requiring speaking, such as presentations, group projects, or even simple classroom interactions. This limited participation can hinder their learning experience as well as their social development.

 

7. Delayed Speech and Language Development

In some cases, selective mutism may delay a child’s speech and language development, as they may not practice or develop their verbal skills to the same extent as their peers.

 

8. Impact on Assessments

Standardized testing and assessments requiring verbal responses can be particularly challenging for children with selective mutism. Their performance on these assessments may not accurately reflect their true abilities.

 

The exact impact of selective mutism can vary from one child to another, with some children being more severely affected than others. Early identification and intervention are a crucial part of helping children with selective mutism manage their anxiety and improve academically.

Treatment such as behavioural therapy, as well as support from teachers and parents, can be integral to a student’s well-being and development. Teachers and school staff can play a crucial role in creating a supportive and accommodating classroom environment for students with SM.

 

How Selective Mutism Impacts Children Emotionally

Selective mutism can have a profound impact on children emotionally. The disorder can lead to a range of emotional challenges and struggles for affected children. Here are some ways in which selective mutism can affect a child’s emotional well-being:

 

1. Anxiety and Fear

Selective mutism is rooted in anxiety, and children with this condition often experience extreme fear and discomfort in situations where they are expected to speak. This anxiety can be overwhelming and persistent, leading to heightened stress levels.

 

2. Isolation and Loneliness

Children with selective mutism may feel isolated and lonely because they struggle to communicate and interact with their peers. This difficulty in forming social connections and friendships can lead to feelings of sadness and loneliness.

 

3. Low Self-Esteem

The challenges associated with selective mutism, such as difficulty participating in classroom activities and social interactions, can negatively impact a child’s self-esteem. They may perceive themselves as different or less capable than their peers.

 

4. Frustration and Helplessness

Many children with selective mutism want to speak and participate but find themselves unable to do so due to their anxiety. This can lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness, as they struggle to overcome their fear.

 

5. Avoidance Behavior

Children with selective mutism often engage in avoidance behaviours to cope with their anxiety. They may avoid situations or places where they are expected to speak, further limiting their social and academic experiences. Avoidance can reinforce their anxiety and negatively impact their emotional well-being.

 

6. Depression

Over time, the emotional toll of selective mutism can contribute to symptoms of depression. Children may experience persistent sadness, lack of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and other signs of depression.

 

7. Embarrassment and Shame

Children with selective mutism may feel embarrassed or ashamed of their condition, particularly when they are unable to speak in front of others. This can negatively impact their self-esteem and self-worth.

 

8. Difficulty Expressing Emotions

Selectively mute children may find it challenging to express their emotions verbally. This can make it difficult for them to seek help or share their feelings with others, which further exacerbates their emotional struggles.

 

9. Family Stress

The emotional impact of selective mutism can extend to the child’s family. Parents and siblings may also experience stress, frustration, and concern as they try to support and understand the child’s needs.

 

Addressing the emotional impact of selective mutism through appropriate interventions and support is crucial. Therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure therapy, can be effective in helping children manage their anxiety and gradually improve their ability to speak in challenging situations.

Additionally, support from teachers, school counsellors, and parents is essential in creating a nurturing and accommodating environment that allows the child to build their confidence and self-esteem. Early intervention is key to helping children with selective mutism develop the skills they need to cope with their anxiety and improve their emotional well-being.

 

Special Education Plans for Children with Selective Mutism

 

Children with selective mutism may qualify for a variety of special education plans under either a 504 plan or an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

 

504 Accommodation Plan

• The purpose of a 504 plan is to remove barriers and prevent discrimination against people with disabilities in federally funded programs.
• To qualify for a 504 you must have a diagnosed or suspected disability that interferes with your ability to engage in major life activities such as academic progress, communication, and social or emotional functions.
• The accommodations provided are minor changes to how the material is provided or demonstrated, rather than what is being learned. For example, rather than giving an oral presentation in front of the class, the student may give it 1 on 1 to the teacher or present a written assignment instead. Other accommodations, such as extended breaks, more time on tests, or small group accommodations can also be implemented.

IEP

• An IEP is an individualized education plan. It’s covered by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), a federal law that requires public schools to provide appropriate education for students with disabilities. Students are covered by this act from birth to age 21.
• Qualification starts with an assessment to determine the student’s strengths and weaknesses. Teachers and families are involved in the student’s education plan decisions.
• It is meant to ensure students with disabilities are prepared for further education, employment, and independent living.

 

As you can see, selective mutism is a disability that greatly impacts a child’s academic abilities and emotional capacity. There are, however, many special education plans that can be put in place for children with disabilities such as SM. 

 

By Morgan Peters

 

Other Posts You May Like:

How to Help a Child With Selective Mutism

What Causes Selective Mutism: Misconceptions & More!

Selective Mutism and Autism: Is There a Link?

 

Sources:

“Disability and Health Overview.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Sept. 2020, www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/disabilityandhealth/disability.html#:~:text=What%20is%20disability%3F,around%20them%20(participation%20restrictions).