Early diagnosis of selective mutism (SM) is an important concern. SM prevalence is higher than initially thought and at least three times higher in immigrant language minority children. Although the DSM-IV precludes diagnosing SM in immigrant children ...
Our patients that we see in our clinics can come from a variety of backgrounds, and cultures. As an SLP or an SLP to be we need to be aware of how to properly assess and diagnose the children that we see. When seeing a child who has recently moved to the U.S. from a different country it is important to remember that a nonverbal period is a normal stage that children go through when learning a second language. We need to know the difference between what is normal during this period and what is not. This article delves into how we can deferentially diagnose a child that is bilingual who has Selective Mutism. It also walks us through the 4 stages that bilingual children go through when learning a second language.
