Selective Mutism Quiz
This quiz is designed to evaluate your understanding of selective mutism, a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child's inability to speak in select social settings. The questions cover a range of topics, from identifying symptoms and treatment methods to understanding the various implications it can have on a child's life. This quiz does not serve as a diagnostic tool but rather an educational resource to enhance your knowledge about selective mutism. Whether you're a student, teacher, parent, or someone interested in learning more about this condition, we hope this quiz provides valuable insight.
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What age is selective mutism usually diagnosed?
- A.
Before age 2
- B.
Before age 5
- C.
Before age 10
- D.
After age 10
Correct Answer
B. Before age 5Explanation
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations, despite speaking in other situations. It is usually diagnosed before the age of 5 because this is when children typically start to develop language skills and engage in social interactions. Early diagnosis is important as it allows for early intervention and treatment, which can help improve the child's communication and social skills.Rate this question:
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- 2.
Selective mutism is more common in
- A.
Boys
- B.
Girls
- C.
Both equally
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
B. GirlsExplanation
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite the ability to speak in other settings. Research suggests that selective mutism is more common in girls than boys. This may be due to various factors, including differences in the way girls and boys experience and express anxiety, as well as potential gender differences in the prevalence of other co-occurring conditions that often accompany selective mutism. However, it is important to note that selective mutism can occur in both boys and girls, but the prevalence is higher in girls.Rate this question:
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- 3.
Is selective mutism a conscious decision of the child?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
Sometimes
- D.
It depends on the child.
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Selective mutism is not a conscious decision of the child. Selective mutism is a complex anxiety disorder that affects a child's ability to speak in certain social situations. It is not a deliberate choice made by the child, but rather a result of extreme anxiety and fear. Children with selective mutism often want to speak but are unable to due to the overwhelming anxiety they experience in specific settings. Therefore, the correct answer is "No."Rate this question:
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- 4.
What might be a sign of selective mutism?
- A.
Child doesn't speak in certain situations.
- B.
Child stutters.
- C.
Child speaks too much.
- D.
Child speaks too quietly.
Correct Answer
A. Child doesn't speak in certain situations.Explanation
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder where a child consistently fails to speak in specific social situations, despite being capable of speaking in other situations. This can include situations such as school, social gatherings, or public places. The child may remain silent or may communicate through nonverbal means. This behavior is not due to a lack of knowledge or comfort with the language, but rather a fear or anxiety that prevents them from speaking. Therefore, a child not speaking in certain situations can be a sign of selective mutism.Rate this question:
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- 5.
How is selective mutism usually treated?
- A.
With medication
- B.
With therapy
- C.
With surgery
- D.
With special education
Correct Answer
B. With therapyExplanation
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder where a child consistently fails to speak in certain social situations. The most effective and commonly used treatment for selective mutism is therapy. Specifically, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often used to help children gradually overcome their anxiety and develop effective communication skills. This therapy focuses on gradually exposing the child to feared situations and teaching them coping strategies. Medication may be used in some cases to manage associated anxiety or other symptoms, but therapy is the primary approach for treating selective mutism. Surgery and special education are not typically used as treatments for this disorder.Rate this question:
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- 6.
Can selective mutism lead to other problems?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It depends
- D.
It's still under research
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder where a child consistently fails to speak in certain situations, such as school or social settings. This can lead to various problems, both in the short and long term. Children with selective mutism may experience difficulties in academic performance, social interactions, and emotional well-being. They may also develop low self-esteem, social anxiety disorder, depression, and other related problems. Therefore, selective mutism can indeed lead to other problems in affected individuals.Rate this question:
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- 7.
What's the primary difficulty for children with selective mutism?
- A.
Eating in public
- B.
Speaking in public
- C.
Sleeping
- D.
Walking
Correct Answer
B. Speaking in publicExplanation
Children with selective mutism have difficulty speaking in public. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where children are unable to speak in certain social situations, despite being capable of speaking in other settings. Speaking in public, such as in school or social gatherings, is particularly challenging for them. This difficulty stems from their fear of being judged, embarrassed, or criticized by others. It is important to provide appropriate support and therapy to help these children overcome their anxiety and develop effective communication skills.Rate this question:
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- 8.
Can children with selective mutism speak at all?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
Only when they're comfortable
- D.
Only with close friends and family
Correct Answer
C. Only when they're comfortableExplanation
Children with selective mutism have the ability to speak, but they choose not to in certain situations or with certain people due to anxiety or fear. When they feel comfortable and secure, they may speak more freely. However, in other situations or with unfamiliar individuals, they may remain silent. The answer "Only when they're comfortable" accurately reflects this characteristic of selective mutism.Rate this question:
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- 9.
Is selective mutism considered a form of autism?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It's a subtype of autism.
- D.
It's often mistaken for autism.
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Selective mutism is not considered a form of autism. While both conditions involve difficulties with communication, they are distinct disorders. Selective mutism is characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations, despite being capable of speech in other settings. On the other hand, autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. While individuals with selective mutism may also have autism, the two conditions are not synonymous.Rate this question:
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- 10.
Is selective mutism a lifetime condition?
- A.
Yes
- B.
It can be.
- C.
No
- D.
Only if untreated
Correct Answer
B. It can be.Explanation
Selective mutism is a condition characterized by a consistent failure to speak in certain social situations, despite being capable of speech in other settings. While it can be a lifetime condition, it is not always the case. With appropriate treatment and intervention, individuals with selective mutism can overcome their difficulties and learn to speak in previously challenging situations. Therefore, the statement "It can be" accurately reflects the potential variability in the duration and outcome of selective mutism.Rate this question:
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- 11.
Is selective mutism the same as social phobia?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
They're similar.
- D.
One can lead to the other.
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Selective mutism is not the same as social phobia. While they may share some similarities, they are distinct conditions. Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite the ability to speak in other settings. On the other hand, social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a broader condition involving an intense fear of social situations and a strong desire to avoid them. While selective mutism can be a symptom of social phobia, not all individuals with selective mutism have social phobia, and vice versa. Therefore, the correct answer is "No."Rate this question:
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- 12.
Is selective mutism associated with trauma?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It can be.
- D.
It's unknown.
Correct Answer
C. It can be.Explanation
Selective mutism is a complex disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite having the ability to speak in other settings. While the exact cause of selective mutism is unknown, research suggests that it can be associated with trauma. Traumatic experiences, such as abuse or neglect, can contribute to the development of selective mutism in some individuals. However, it is important to note that not all cases of selective mutism are linked to trauma, as there may be other factors involved in its development.Rate this question:
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- 13.
Can selective mutism be cured?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It's still under research.
- D.
It depends on the severity.
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Selective mutism can be cured. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which individuals consistently fail to speak in specific social situations, despite being capable of speaking in other settings. With appropriate intervention and treatment, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, speech therapy, and medication, individuals with selective mutism can overcome their anxiety and learn to speak in these situations. While the process may vary depending on the severity of the condition, it is possible for individuals with selective mutism to be cured and regain their ability to speak in all social settings.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Is selective mutism genetic?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It can be.
- D.
It's unknown.
Correct Answer
C. It can be.Explanation
Selective mutism is a complex disorder that affects a person's ability to speak in certain social situations, despite being capable of speaking in other settings. Research suggests that there may be a genetic component to selective mutism, as it tends to run in families. However, the exact genetic factors involved are still unknown. Therefore, it can be concluded that selective mutism can be genetic, but further research is needed to fully understand the genetic basis of this condition.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Do children with selective mutism usually have normal language skills?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It varies/
- D.
Only in comfortable situations.
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Children with selective mutism usually have normal language skills. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a child is unable to speak in certain social situations, despite having the ability to speak in other situations. This means that when they are comfortable and feel safe, they can communicate effectively using language. However, in situations where they feel anxious or overwhelmed, they may choose not to speak. Despite this, their language skills are typically normal.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Can children with selective mutism communicate nonverbally?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It varies.
- D.
Only in comfortable situations
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
Children with selective mutism can communicate nonverbally. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that affects a child's ability to speak in certain situations, such as at school or in public. However, despite their difficulty with verbal communication, children with selective mutism can still express themselves nonverbally through gestures, facial expressions, and body language. This allows them to communicate their needs, emotions, and thoughts, even though they may not be able to speak.Rate this question:
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- 17.
What other conditions are children with selective mutism at risk for?
- A.
Social anxiety
- B.
Depression
- C.
Both A and B
- D.
None of the above
Correct Answer
C. Both A and BExplanation
Children with selective mutism are at risk for both social anxiety and depression. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a child consistently fails to speak in certain situations, such as at school or in public. This disorder often coexists with social anxiety, as children with selective mutism may fear and avoid social interactions. Additionally, the chronic inability to communicate effectively can lead to feelings of frustration, isolation, and low self-esteem, which can contribute to the development of depression. Therefore, both social anxiety and depression are common conditions that children with selective mutism may experience.Rate this question:
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- 18.
Is there a specific medication for selective mutism?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It varies.
- D.
It's under development.
Correct Answer
B. NoExplanation
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations despite the ability to speak in other settings. Currently, there is no specific medication approved for the treatment of selective mutism. Treatment typically involves a combination of behavioral therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and speech and language therapy. Medication may be prescribed to manage any underlying anxiety or other co-occurring conditions, but there is no specific medication exclusively for selective mutism.Rate this question:
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- 19.
Can school interventions help children with selective mutism?
- A.
Yes
- B.
No
- C.
It depends on the intervention.
- D.
It depends on the child.
Correct Answer
A. YesExplanation
School interventions can indeed help children with selective mutism. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where children are unable to speak in certain social situations, such as school. School interventions can involve strategies such as gradual exposure, social skills training, and individualized support to help children overcome their anxiety and increase their ability to communicate verbally. These interventions can provide a supportive and structured environment for children with selective mutism to practice and develop their communication skills, ultimately helping them to participate more fully in school and social settings.Rate this question:
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- 20.
How is selective mutism diagnosed?
- A.
Through blood tests
- B.
Through psychological evaluation
- C.
Through speech testing
- D.
Through educational testing
Correct Answer
B. Through psychological evaluationExplanation
Selective mutism is a complex anxiety disorder that affects a person's ability to speak in certain social situations. It cannot be diagnosed through blood tests or educational testing as these methods do not directly assess the individual's psychological functioning. The most appropriate way to diagnose selective mutism is through a comprehensive psychological evaluation, which involves assessing the individual's communication abilities, social interactions, and emotional well-being. This evaluation helps to identify any underlying anxiety or other psychological factors contributing to the individual's selective mutism symptoms.Rate this question:
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Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.
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Current Version
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Aug 14, 2023Quiz Edited by
ProProfs Editorial Team -
Jun 10, 2010Quiz Created by
Thatdude22
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