FEATURES OF THE ETIOLOGY OF SELECTIVE MUTISM IN CHILDREN OF OLDER PRESCHOOL AGE

Abstract

The purpose of the article: analysis of the specifics of the causes and conditions of the occurrence of selective mutism in children of senior preschool age in order to optimize the provision of complex therapeutic psychological-psychiatric and correctional-pedagogical assistance to them.

Research methods: theoretical analysis of psychological, pedagogical, pathological and psychiatric literature on the research topic, generalization, systematization of international practical experience in researching the health of children with selective mutism and their general, and mental development.

Research results. Studying and researching the health of children with various disorders, both of general and mental development is a very important step in optimizing the provision of complex therapeutic psychological-psychiatric and correctional-pedagogical assistance to them. The relevance of such studies is that in recent years there has been an increase in mental disorders among in children of senior preschool age, mostly due to the incidence of neurotic and anxiety disorders, among which selective mutism occupies a special place. Theoretical studies conducted by the author indicate that selective mutism (selective muteness) in children of senior preschool age is an alarming, emotionally driven mental disorder characterized by the inability to communicate verbally (and in some cases non-verbally) with individuals or in certain social circumstances with the ability to speak and understand speech. The presence of selective mutism in children leads to a significant deterioration of their social functioning.

Conclusions. The phenomenon of this deficiency, as in the case of most mental disorders of childhood, is caused by a whole complex of interacting factors, such as genetic heredity, peculiarities of character and neurological development, and the surrounding psychological climate. The etiology of selective mutism is multifactorial and still not fully understood, which requires further research into this phenomenon and the adoption of a single standard for its diagnosis with clearly defined criteria.