Right From the Mouths of our Silent Babes

By: Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum
President and Director Selective Mutism Anxiety Research and Treatment Center (SMart-Center)
Founder and Director Emeritus Selective Mutism Group Childhood Anxiety Network (SMG~ CAN)
Director Selective Mutism Research Institute (SMRI)
Clinical Assistant Professor Family Medicine and Psychology PCOM

"Children/teens with Selective Mutism are consistently asked why they do not speak.

Individuals often believe that if they continuously ask these children to speak or question them over and over that they will automatically begin speaking. The assumption here is that these children CAN speak, re perhaps being stubborn and if continuously questioned and told what to do, these children will eventually speak. Unfortunately, the individuals who believe this tactic will work are hugely mistaken and are only propagating mutism and inner anxiety."

Read the entire Article HERE

Featured Organization: Selective Mutism Anxiety Research & Treatment Center

We thank Selective Mutism Anxiety Research & Treatment Center for allowing PediaStaff to link to their article. The SMart Center is a comprehensive treatment and research Center focused exclusively on the anxiety disorder, Selective Mutism in young children and teenagers. The center is directed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum. Visit their website at Selective Mutism Anxiety Research & Treatment Center