Free Essays on Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is an acquired disorder, in which a child is capable of speaking, and does so in many instances, but fails to speak in select situations where communication will typically occur. (Baldwin, 1994) This behavior is most often observed when young children are put into new situations such as meeting a stranger or a speech clinic. (Cleator & Hand, 2002) Selective mutism implies that a child suffering from this disorder does not choose to be silent, but rather become mute in situations that cause him/her to be anxious. (Cummings-Stegbauer, 2002) One of the most important aspects of defining this disorder is that the failure to speak is not due to the child’s lack of knowledge of spoken language or a communication disorder, but rather the psychological aspects of socialization. (8) Tramer initially labeled the disorder â€Å"elective mutism† in 1934, a term that is still used outside of North America, and it was viewed as a defiant behavior to overprotective and/or controlling parent(s). (McInnes et al., 2004) In 1994, American Psychiatric Association, renamed the disorder â€Å"Selective Mutism† since the title was more appropriate for emphasizing that a child becomes mute in select social situations that cause anxiety and not when he/she chooses not to communicate.(McInnes et al., 2004) When exposed to new situations or overcoming a traumatic episode children often go through a phase of adjustment, where they may not speak for some period of time. (Baldwin, 1994) This will not be termed selective mutism because of its course of development and etiology is different and will be managed in another way. (Baldwin, 1994) Children whom are selectively mute do not spend their day in silence; they tend to speak within the home with some or all family members, but fail to speak with those outside the home. (Cummings-Stegbauer, 2002) Some children will not speak to any child outside their home while others will pick a select few c... Free Essays on Selective Mutism Free Essays on Selective Mutism Selective mutism is an acquired disorder, in which a child is capable of speaking, and does so in many instances, but fails to speak in select situations where communication will typically occur. (Baldwin, 1994) This behavior is most often observed when young children are put into new situations such as meeting a stranger or a speech clinic. (Cleator & Hand, 2002) Selective mutism implies that a child suffering from this disorder does not choose to be silent, but rather become mute in situations that cause him/her to be anxious. (Cummings-Stegbauer, 2002) One of the most important aspects of defining this disorder is that the failure to speak is not due to the child’s lack of knowledge of spoken language or a communication disorder, but rather the psychological aspects of socialization. (8) Tramer initially labeled the disorder â€Å"elective mutism† in 1934, a term that is still used outside of North America, and it was viewed as a defiant behavior to overprotective and/or controlling parent(s). (McInnes et al., 2004) In 1994, American Psychiatric Association, renamed the disorder â€Å"Selective Mutism† since the title was more appropriate for emphasizing that a child becomes mute in select social situations that cause anxiety and not when he/she chooses not to communicate.(McInnes et al., 2004) When exposed to new situations or overcoming a traumatic episode children often go through a phase of adjustment, where they may not speak for some period of time. (Baldwin, 1994) This will not be termed selective mutism because of its course of development and etiology is different and will be managed in another way. (Baldwin, 1994) Children whom are selectively mute do not spend their day in silence; they tend to speak within the home with some or all family members, but fail to speak with those outside the home. (Cummings-Stegbauer, 2002) Some children will not speak to any child outside their home while others will pick a select few c...

Lydia Dustin Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials

Lydia Dustin Was Accused in the Salem Witch Trials Lydia Dustin died in prison and is best known for being accused as a witch in the Salem witch trials of 1692. Dates: 1626? - March 10, 1693Also known as: Lidia Dastin Family, Background Not much is known of her other than connections to others also accused in the Salem witch trials. Mother of Sarah Dustin and Mary Colson, grandmother of Elizabeth Colson. More About Lydia Dustin Lydia, a resident of Reading (Redding), Massachusetts, was arrested on April 30 on the same day as George Burroughs, Susannah Martin, Dorcas Hoar, Sarah Morey, and Philip English. Lydia Dustin was examined on May 2 by magistrates Jonathan Corwin and John Hathorne, on the same day that Sarah Morey, Susannah Martin, and Dorcas Hoar were examined. She was then sent to Bostons jail. Lydias unmarried daughter Sarah Dustin was the next in the family accused and arrested, followed by Lydias granddaughter, Elizabeth Colson, who eluded capture until after the third warrant was issued (sources differ on whether she was ever captured). Then Lydias daughter Mary Colson (Elizabeth Colsons mother), was also accused; she was examined but not indicted. Both Lydia and Sarah were found not guilty by the Superior Court of Judicature, Court of Assize and General Gaol Delivery in January or February 1693, after the initial trials had been suspended when criticized for their use of spectral evidence. However, they could not be released until they paid jail fees. Lydia Dustin died still in jail on March 10, 1693. She is thus usually included on lists of those who died as part of the Salem witchcraft accusations and trials.