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Selective Mutism


Question

My 14 year old daughter with CdLS is fully able to carry on an intelligent conversation. She will talk with other children but never adults (not even relatives).

Answer of our experts

It appears that your daughter is exhibiting behavior that can be described as selective mutism. In other words, she talks to other children but selects to not talk to adults. It is often assumed that anxiety underlies the behavior of selective mutism and treatment is frequently carried out by psychotherapists. Following an evaluation, the treatment process usually involves reinforcement of successive approximations toward the desired behavior. Remediation may take from 6 months to over two years

MG/TK 7-13-10

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Recommendation(s)

Adaptive behaviour in CdLS

R51
Increasing adaptive skills to enhance independence should remain a focus throughout the lifespan and should include personalised specific goals and teaching strategies.
R52
Additional developmental and educational support should be provided to individuals with CdLS to reach their maximum cognitive and educational potential, taking into account their specific cognitive impairments.
R53
Cognitive strengths and weaknesses of individuals with CdLS should be assessed in order to design educational and interventional strategies.

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Please take note that the Ask the Expert service is comprised of volunteer professionals in various areas of focus. Answers are not considered a medical, behavioral, or educational consultation. Ask the Expert is not a substitute for the care and attention your child’s personal physician, psychologist, educational consultant, or social worker can deliver.

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