Scarlett, a 15-year-old girl from Flintshire, Wales, who struggles with selective mutism, a severe anxiety disorder that makes it hard for her to speak in certain situations, wants to fulfill her dream of performing on stage. Scarlett was diagnosed with selective mutism at the age of eight, although her parents believe she started showing signs as young as five. According to the NHS, about one in 140 young people are affected by the disorder.
Scarlett’s parents, Steve and Emma, believe that there is still a general lack of awareness and understanding about the condition, even from psychologists. “It’s been a really long time of struggles and appointments, referrals and just not being settled really, and not being very happy in that time either,” said Emma. Scarlett is talkative when comfortable, loves musical theatre, and feels overwhelmed with anxiety around other children in school.
Lucia, 17, from Swansea, also struggles with selective mutism, which is a barrier to her going to school, college, or getting a job. She has tried numerous therapies but has had limited results and is concerned about her future. She wishes to have normal conversations with people like anyone else but often finds herself stuck due to her disorder.
Anita McKiernan, a specialized speech and language therapist, said there has been poor awareness and understanding of selective mutism for decades. She is an advisor to the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in selective mutism. More research and more specialist therapists over the past five years have significantly improved understanding of the disorder, albeit from a low base. The Welsh government aims to provide resources for parents and teaching staff to provide universal and targeted support for children with the condition.
Selective mutism is a rare condition that can start at any age but most often begins in early childhood. A child can successfully overcome selective mutism if it is diagnosed at an early age and appropriately managed. Experts regard selective mutism as a fear or phobia of talking to certain people, and the cause is not always clear, but it is associated with anxiety
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