A family is speaking out to raise awareness about a rare childhood anxiety disorder that has caused their son to stop speaking in public. The condition, known as selective mutism, presents unique challenges for the child and their loved ones.
Emmitt: A Boy Silenced by Anxiety
Like most 5-year-old boys, Emmitt enjoys running, jumping, laughing, screaming, and talking nonstop. He loves normal 5-year-old things, such as cars and trucks. He dreams of being Spiderman to protect people. However, spending time in the Sandberg home in Blaine reveals a stark difference between Emmitt and other kids his age.
The Debilitating Anxiety
Emmitt experiences a debilitating anxiety that makes him afraid to talk in social situations. "It is not a choice. It is just a debilitating anxiety where he is afraid to talk," his parents explain. This fear manifests as a real aversion to having people hear his voice. He might kick, scream, and do everything he can to avoid speaking in front of others, except for his immediate family.
Recognizing the Signs and Diagnosis
Samantha and Darren, Emmitt's parents, noticed early signs of anxiety in their son. A kindergarten evaluation this year revealed a now diagnosed condition called selective mutism.
What is Selective Mutism?
A child with selective mutism speaks normally at home but is unable to speak in other social settings. This can be a difficult diagnosis to understand. "What is that? Did not -- never heard of it before and did not know what it was," says Samantha. She adds that they started reading on-line different books.
Coping Mechanisms and Challenges
Emmitt's twin brother, Eli, who is one minute older, is outgoing and often speaks for him. This serves as a coping mechanism for Emmitt.
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Whispering: Emmitt often tries to communicate by whispering in his parents' ears first.
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Covering his mouth: He often cups his hands over his mouth so you cannot see his mouth when he is talking.
Emmitt faces more complications because of the disorder. A boy scared speechless brings big fears for Mom and Dad, too. "In school, you know, how will he interact with the teachers? Kids are going to bully him because he is different. As a parent, those are scary things," says Darren.
The Scarcity of Treatment Options
The lack of awareness and lack of options for treatment are really difficult. The Sandbergs could only find one therapist that specializes in it. They are speaking for their son to help other families find understanding in the silence and in the children lost for words.
Finding Hope and Support
Despite the challenges, the Sandbergs remain hopeful. "There is progress, there is hope that we will keep that progress going," explains Samantha.
The Need for Specialists
According to the report, this is often under-diagnosed. People think it is autism or kids are shy and defiant. It takes awhile to reach this diagnose. Because of the rarity of selective mutism, finding specialized help is difficult.
"He sees the only specialist in the state. People will move here to be closer to the therapist," says the reporter. She continues saying that people will drive from Iowa or all around the region because she is the only person that specializes in it.
It is rare and they need more people to specialize in it. The reporter concludes by saying she will include that information on our story if people are wondering.
The family encourages others to "fight for their son."
Hopefully he will talk when he is ready. They find ways to cope.