SELECTIVE MUTISM SUPPORT GROUP
...SMSG-SA (Selective Mutism Support Group - South Africa) is an organisation dedicated to providing information, resources and support to children and adults affected by the anxiety disorder known as Selective Mutism (SM).
SM is a social anxiety disorder characterized by a child or adult's inability to speak in one or more social situation or settings, e.g., at school, public places, etc. despite being able to speak comfortably in other settings such as at home with family.
SM is usually characterized by extreme shyness, withdrawal or seriousness; refusal to make eye contact; refraining from social participation; constant failure or pronounced fear to speak in specific social situations e.g. at school. Visible anxiety such as excessive perspiration, blushing, etc. The duration of the disorder varies from person to person. According to research, it may be affecting as little as 2 in 10 000 children.
Our mission is to increase public awareness of SM and other childhood anxiety disorders through education and to provide support to affected individuals and their families - particularly in South Africa where this condition is relatively unknown. We would like to invite anybody who suspects that their child may have SM or has been diagnosed with it, to contact us. Apart from offering free support, we are in the process of building a database and network of professionals i.e physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists etc. who may be of assistance to such families whether with regards to diagnosis, treatment, or support in any way possible. In sharing experiences and knowledge, we would be able to educate, increase public awareness and create a better understanding of this disorder.
SMSG-SA can be contacted as follows:
Contact Person: Estelle Peetz
Contact Number: 082-8992991
Fax no.: 086-693 9525
Postal address: P O Box 476, Glenvista, 2058
Have a look at: www.selectivemutism.co.za
for further and more detailed information.
If you suspect that your child may have Selective Mutism or an Anxiety Disorder (which first appears as a very extreme form of shyness),
please join the support group!
e-mail us at:
epeetz@vodamail.co.za
Please have a look at our
Recommended Reading Section
for good Selective Mutism Resources.
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