Alternative Modes of Communication
Unfortunately, there isn't a "fix all" treatment for those who have a Mutism type of disorder, but there are different types of communication modes and treatment for those who are unable to speak.
Augmentative-Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices
AAC devices are used with many mute people in producing speech whom are unable to produce and/or comprehend normal speech. AAC devices can vary from non-electronic picture boards, eye tracking devices, speech synthesizing methods and now electronic tablets and smartphones can be used as an AAC device using apps designed to implement the touchscreen in aiding the production of speech. These devices use the combination of pictures, symbols, different selection methods (i.e pointing, touching, eye gazing, etc,) vocabulary organization and other speech rate enhancement shortcuts so the speech of a person whom uses AAC devices can be close to speed in producing speech as that of a typical person.
AAC devices are used with many mute people in producing speech whom are unable to produce and/or comprehend normal speech. AAC devices can vary from non-electronic picture boards, eye tracking devices, speech synthesizing methods and now electronic tablets and smartphones can be used as an AAC device using apps designed to implement the touchscreen in aiding the production of speech. These devices use the combination of pictures, symbols, different selection methods (i.e pointing, touching, eye gazing, etc,) vocabulary organization and other speech rate enhancement shortcuts so the speech of a person whom uses AAC devices can be close to speed in producing speech as that of a typical person.
Sign Language
This type of communication uses body language to express communication. Sign language is usually used by people who are deaf, but is also used by people who are not deaf but are mute.Sign language uses body language, usually given arbitrary, abstract meaning. As most spoken languages, it varies from location to location as sign language is different in different part of the world as spoken languages would be. Acquisition usually starts from birth and develops as the child develops as a typical child acquires spoken language as they typically develop.
This type of communication uses body language to express communication. Sign language is usually used by people who are deaf, but is also used by people who are not deaf but are mute.Sign language uses body language, usually given arbitrary, abstract meaning. As most spoken languages, it varies from location to location as sign language is different in different part of the world as spoken languages would be. Acquisition usually starts from birth and develops as the child develops as a typical child acquires spoken language as they typically develop.
Electrolarynx
An Electrolarynyx is a device that facilitates speech by using the vibrations of the throat to produce clearer speech than it would if talking alone. These devices are for those who have throat problems like throat cancer in the larynx. The device is usually placed under the mandible that uses the vibrations made by the throat and makes a more intelligible speech. Most people who use these devices have no physiological/cognitive impairment that causes them to be mute.
An Electrolarynyx is a device that facilitates speech by using the vibrations of the throat to produce clearer speech than it would if talking alone. These devices are for those who have throat problems like throat cancer in the larynx. The device is usually placed under the mandible that uses the vibrations made by the throat and makes a more intelligible speech. Most people who use these devices have no physiological/cognitive impairment that causes them to be mute.
Therapy for those with Selective Mutism
As selective mutism is not usually a physiological or cognitive disorder, the treatment for it can be implemented using forms that are not usually tangible but in using techniques Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) principles. This includes desensitization to social environments, shaping, stimulus fading and modeling techniques. Drug therapy is also available for those who have selective mutism in the form of SSRI's that's to be used alongside the aforementioned therapy techniques to alleviate anxiety attributed to speaking and social situations. Never is drug therapy alone used to alleviate symptoms of selective mutism.
As selective mutism is not usually a physiological or cognitive disorder, the treatment for it can be implemented using forms that are not usually tangible but in using techniques Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) principles. This includes desensitization to social environments, shaping, stimulus fading and modeling techniques. Drug therapy is also available for those who have selective mutism in the form of SSRI's that's to be used alongside the aforementioned therapy techniques to alleviate anxiety attributed to speaking and social situations. Never is drug therapy alone used to alleviate symptoms of selective mutism.