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From: Dr. Christine Stanley
Category: Category 1
Date: 12/6/01
Time: 9:56:19 AM
Remote Name: 209.86.20.212
Torey, I wonder if you could comment on the research that has been published during the 90's which shows that selective mutism is only rarely caused by abuse. The evidence so far overwhelmingly supports the notion that selective mutism is usually a form of social anxiety, and that it has a hereditary, biological basis. Those in the fields of psychology and psychiatry who are considered experts in selective mutism today, will point out that there is no reason to suspect abuse in a selectively mute child unless other signs point to such a history. I feel that it is important to make this point, and I'm hoping to hear your views. Many of your fans have learned about selective mutism exclusively from reading Ghost Girl, and they are left with the mistaken notion that this is a condition that is rooted in emotional abuse. I believe this may be contributing to a tragic situation; parents of selectively mute children are often falsely accused or suspected of abusing their children. While I certainly support any efforts to uncover child abuse, I believe that some individuals do much harm to families in misguided attempts to "rescue" children. Please post your comments, Torey. I am hoping that you will set the record straight. Thank you, Dr.Christine Stanley, Coordinator, Professional Education Committe, Selective Mutism Group