[A photo of a child. Photo credit to Pxhere]

One of Korea’s most famous parenting programs, “My Golden Kids,” has received favorable reviews after a child who had been struggling with selective mutism four years ago was recently elected as class vice president.

Selective mutism is a psychological disorder that is becoming increasingly recognized.

At first, the child faced difficulties communicating with peers and teachers at school which greatly affected social interactions at school.

Through the expert guidance provided by the program as well as continuous support from the child’s family and school, the child gradually overcame her anxiety and began to engage more actively in classroom discussions and social situations.

The story reached a heartwarming moment recently when the child was elected as the class vice president.

As highlighted by this child’s inspiring journey, the condition often presents unique challenges in different environments.

Selective mutism typically occurs when children or teenagers have little or no difficulty in expressing themselves in familiar settings but face considerable challenges in new or unfamiliar ones.

It is not merely a form of shyness or mood disorder but rather a complex condition influenced by psychological, genetic, and surrounding environmental factors.

Selective mutism often manifests early during childhood years, initially appearing as shyness before escalating into major verbal communication difficulties.

Researchers are still working to determine its true causes, although the disorder is thought to arise from a combination of genetic predispositions, psychological traits, and environmental factors.

Genetic factors may come into play in the case of a family history involving similar disorders, indicating that a child could be more susceptible to such feelings of fear due to inherited genes.

Psychological causes may include an introverted nature or anxiety disorders that hinder social interactions.

Environmental factors such as parenting styles and social environments can also contribute to the development of selective mutism.

Children with selective mutism often find it difficult to speak in a new or unfamiliar environment, for example, at school or during social activities.

As a result, many children with selective mutism experience social isolation.

Their inability to participate in conversations can lead to damaged self-esteem and make it harder for them to develop friendships or engage with their peers.

Over time, this avoidance of speech can further entrench their reluctance to talk.

The longer they go without speaking in certain situations, the more difficult it becomes for them to break the cycle and overcome their selective mutism.

Thus, effective treatments for selective mutism often involve behavior-based psychotherapy with exposure therapy being one of the most successful models.

This approach gradually exposes the child to feared situations in a supportive environment, helping them confront and manage their anxiety.

Another treatment is through behavioral therapy.

This treatment similarly encourages children to become accustomed to anxious situations and to speak more confidently over time.

Needless to say, parental and teacher support plays a crucial role in treatment.

Creating a comforting environment during the process can aid in a child’s recovery.

Raising awareness and understanding of selective mutism is vital as the behavior of affected children is often mistaken for being stubborn or rude.

This misunderstanding can make the situation worse, so it’s important to teach communities, especially schools about the disorder.

Schools are increasingly incorporating teacher training programs to equip educators with the skills to support children with selective mutism effectively.

With great awareness and resources, children with selective mutism will succeed in school and in social situations, allowing them to reach their full potential.