Selective mutes have a phobia of talking, speech therapist says
Monday 1st February 2010
People who suffer from selective mutism have a phobia of others hearing their voice, it has been suggested.
Commenting on the issue, speech therapist Maggie Johnson said that while it may seem like individuals with the condition are putting it on, this is in fact not the case, the Daily Mail reports.
The medical expert, who specialises in this area of healthcare, pointed out that that she knows of examples of selective mutes who have broken limbs and have not cried for help or indeed cried at all.
According to Ms Johnson, no one could maintain their silence for that long if they were faking it.
She added: "It is a fear or phobia about someone hearing your voice. By not talking, you are removing yourself from the stress of having to deal with that situation."
Selective mutism describes a condition in which children who speak fluently with some familiar people are silent when with others.
Written by Megan Smith
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