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ADHD in Children: ADD Parenting Help Behavior, Discipline, Self-Esteem

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This comprehensive guide to parenting a child with ADHD won't waste your time with run-of-the-mill advice. You need ADD-tested strategies, and here they are - everything you need to know about oppo...

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Conduct disorder/ ODD is an exhausting disorder affecting children, or the entire family when a child with the disorder behaves in a manner resembling the terrible two's magnified by 50.

A child who is so out of control even Nanny 911 episodes appear tame. It feels as if something went so incredibly wrong that a child acts out in ways that will make a parent fear they are raising the next serial killer. Sure, that may sound a bit dramatic but this is how it is when living with a child diagnosed with Conduct disorder / Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD).

I have a son who had Oppositional defiant disorder. I had never heard of it until a school psychologist who had watched and worked with my son for four years finally figured it out. Thankfully, I have a wonderful supportive husband by my side helping me change my son's behavior from out of control to my sweet charming little man who has learned so much in four very long and difficult years.

If it weren't for this man coming into our lives I shudder to think where we would be today. I consider my son to be completely healed, although our regiment is and will continue to be quite strict and consistent as it is what he needs. It took my new husband, a team of teachers, tutors, counselors, and doctors to help my son along his path to finding himself somewhere inside that monster that was showing his ugly face every day.

I had lost hope and my energy was depleted so it took my new husband stepping in and basically taking over control to start keeping my son in line, by being incredibly consistent and strict. That's when I started seeing a difference. I also noticed a change when I removed preservatives and excess sugars from my sons' diet. With these changes apparent, my hope was restored and we were on our way to finding my son again.

In researching ODD here is what I learned: The term disorder is a misnomer because it is not a disorder but instead a learned behavior, or likely a combination of a child's home environment and inherited factors including:

Ineffective, Inconsistent and/or harsh discipline

Lack of supervision, neglect or abuse

Limitations or developmental delays in a child's ability to process their thoughts and feelings

Being that Oppositional defiant disorder is a learned behavior it can also be unlearned or reversed with a strict and consistent routine. There are no medications to treat ODD; however, many times a child will have other related mental health issues that are successfully treated with medication.

Some of the mental health issues often times occurring with ODD are:

Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)

Anxiety

Depression

A child with ODD will display symptoms such as an extremely strong will, disrespect and opposition to adults or people in authority positions, defiance in almost any situation, temper tantrums disproportionate to the child's age, argumentativeness, lying, anger, and resentment. It is not unusual for a child to pick a fight and as soon as an exhausted adult gives in and tells the child, "ok! Yes, you're right the sky is green." The child will then argue, "No it isn't, its blue". This type of behavior, over and over, leaves parents feeling overwhelmed, exhausted and feeling out of control themselves.

Children with ODD will struggle in school and in making and/or keeping friends. It appears a child with Oppositional defiant disorder thrives on deliberately annoying other people. They refuse to take responsibility, blaming others for their mistakes or misbehavior; they are easily annoyed and act with aggression toward peers and adults. They often have trouble academically.

Parents with a child suffering from ODD should seek support and help from a professional familiar with this disorder as many times it is misdiagnosed, and left untreated ODD can, and most likely will, progress to the more serious Conduct disorder, substance abuse and severe delinquency.

Conduct disorder commonly occurs when ODD is left untreated. The child will most likely begin to violate more serious rules like running away from home or skipping school. Their pattern of misbehavior will usually progress to more aggressive behavior toward people and or animals. Children may initiate bullying and fighting, or animal cruelty. They may become disrespectful of others' property by stealing or causing damage by vandalism or arson.

Children afflicted with ODD or Conduct disorder will most likely have trouble feeling empathy and may misread social queues or miss them altogether. He may misinterpret others behavior as hostile or aggressive leading him to act out in response to the aggression with aggression in return.

Living with a child with either Conduct disorder or ODD is exhausting and sometimes heartbreaking. Parents should get help, avoid power struggles, and remain positive with their child. Their child requires an extremely strict routine, consistency and positive reinforcement as well as a happy and refreshed parent who has confidence in themselves. The child will thrive in an environment which is healthy and did I mention consistent, consistent, consistent? I cannot emphasize that word enough.

Parents and children will benefit from parental training. Parents and siblings should have patience as the treatment will include the whole family. When one child is disruptive, the entire family feels the effects and everyone suffers the consequences to a degree. The upside to this "disorder" is that it is within a parent's control to change their child's behavior and their life.

The incredible part is, with patience, determination, and consistent parenting you can change your child's behavior. Once my son overcame his defiant behavior it was hard to imagine that my sweet child was once a monster and I sometimes wonder if exaggerated the whole thing. Then a see a video and I'm reminded of how horrific our lives were and realize I was in such a stupor because it was my only way to cope with how out of control my home was.

I know now it was the worst way to handle our situation and it made my sons condition so much worse. The upside is, now that we've overcome this, I know I can overcome anything. My best advice is that its ok... no, it's a very good idea to ask for help!

note from the editorial staff: ODD explained and descriped form a "first-hand"-mother is far better and reliable than from any theoretical book or course. it's just life nothing else but the real one.

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Children Conduct Disorder Oppositional Defiant Disorder ODD

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­A child who is so out of control even Nanny 911 episodes appear tame. It feels as if something went so incredibly wrong that a child acts out in ways that will make a parent fear they are raising the next serial killer.

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Anxiety and Depression in Children and Teens

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Anxiety and Depression in Children and Teens

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Anxiety and depression are treatable, but 80 percent of kids with a diagnosable anxiety disorder and 60 percent of kids with diagnosable depression are not getting treatment, according to the 2015 Child Mind Institute Children's Mental Health Report.

Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, and every child goes through phases. A phase is temporary and usually harmless. But children who suffer from an anxiety disorder experience fear, nervousness, and shyness, and they start to avoid places and activities.

A child who sees a scary movie and then has trouble falling asleep or has a similar temporary fear can be reassured and comforted. But that is not enough to help a child with an anxiety disorder get past his or her fear and anxiety.

Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.

Anxiety disorders often co-occur with depression as well as eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and others.

With treatment and support, your child can learn how to successfully manage the symptoms of an anxiety disorder and depression and live a normal childhood.

The following sections will help you get started:

Additional Resources

KidsHealth
Non-Military PTSD
Child Mind Institute
Families for Depression Awareness
Families USA
Georgetown Center for Children and Families
The Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation
Selective Mutism Group
Selective Mutism Foundation
WorryWiseKids.org
Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital Home Base Program - for military families in New England
Talking to Children About Terrorism and War
Helping Children Cope During Deployment
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Children and Grief
Active Minds
National Eating Disorders Association

Spread The Word

Please tweet, post on Facebook, or add the links to your own website - whatever works to get the word out that you are not alone and help is here!

@Got_Anxiety
#Anxiety disorders affect one in eight children. Help is here. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/treatment

Learn the #depression #symptoms in kids. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/anxiety-and-depression

Learn how to choose a #child #therapist. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/treatment/choosing-therapist-your-child

Tips for parents and caregivers to help children manage anxiety disorders. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/tips-parents-and-caregivers

#Depression in #children and #teens is a risk factor for #suicide. Learn about treatment. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/treatment

Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, but children who suffer from an anxiety disorder show fear, nervousness, and shyness and start to avoid places and activities. Help is here. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/treatment

Separation anxiety, phobias, OCD, social anxiety, and more. Learn the symptoms and how to help children with anxiety disorders. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/childhood-anxiety-disorders

Get tips for parents and caregivers to help children manage anxiety disorders. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/tips-parents-and-caregivers

Childhood depression is a risk factor for suicide. Learn about treatment. http://www.adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/children/treatment

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Anxiety and depression are treatable, but 80 percent of kids with a diagnosable anxiety disorder and 60 percent of kids with diagnosable depression are not getting treatment, according to the 2015 Child Mind Institute Children's Mental Health Report. Anxiety is a normal part of childhood, and every child goes through phases.

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Renowned speaker, bestselling author, physician, and expert in childhood development, stress and trauma.

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FAQ
Q. It seems that no brain scan or blood test can give a bona-fide diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. In lieu of that what are telltale signs that should prompt someone to seek treatment?
A. People usually seek diagnosis after recognizing in themselves a litany of the salient symptoms: frequent, involuntary and frustrating tuning-out or absence of mind; difficulty concentrating unless very interested in something; being bored easily; beginning one thing but going on to another before completing the first; problems keeping order physically in one's room, on one's desk, in one's car; often, difficulty being on time; poor impulse control, manifested in speaking out of turn, interrupting others in conversation, impulse buying, and in a tendency towards addictive behaviors; finally, in many but not all cases-and less in women-physical hyperactivity, difficulties sitting still, and fidgetiness.
Q. What treatment options are available? Which do you recommend?
A. As I point out in the book, there are many options, and they don't need to be mutually exclusive. Some may find medication helpful, but they should never be the only treatment. In my view, ADD is not an inherited condition, contrary to the commonly held opinion, but originates in early childhood stresses during the first years of crucial brain and personality development. Hence, counseling to unravel family issues and issues with self-esteem is always important. Physical self care, exercise, nutritious diets, good sleep hygiene, outdoor activities are all important. Mindfulness practices, like meditation, are very challenging to the ADD mind, but extremely helpful.
Q. You say that ADD isn't genetic. Are you saying it's not biological?
A. Not at all. It's a common mistake to think that everything that's biological is genetically caused. Biology is greatly affected by what happens in a person's life, in her family, in the society around her, and so on. For the most part genes don't predetermine or "cause" anything that happens - they just lay out a set of potentials that might happen, given the right (or wrong) environmental inputs. Especially in early childhood, our brains are very much affected by social and psychological relationships. And, in fact, for its lifetime the brain is in constant interaction with the environment. So something can absolutely be biological without therefore being written in genetic stone.
Q. My son displays many of the behaviors and difficulties that you describe as being typical of ADD. However, I'm reluctant to get an "official" diagnosis - mainly because I don't want to saddle him with a label that will dog him throughout school and beyond, and expose him to stigmatization and stereotyping. I don't want him to go through life thinking he is broken or diseased. What do you suggest?
A. I'd say, forget the label. If you recognize these traits in the child, and if you don't want him specifically diagnosed and labeled, you can still go ahead and work on the environment so that it's more conducive to his development. Depending on his age and his particular needs, what that looks like will vary, but generally speaking: look at the (internal and external) stresses in the family, at the quality of the relationships he's surrounded by, at the amount of structure and security the family environment provides, and so on. ADD kids are, temperamentally, highly sensitive creatures - that's what predisposed them to developing ADD in the first place - so they're often the canaries in the coal mine. When something's even slightly off in the surrounding environment - stresses in the marriage relationship, for instance - it will trip these kids' emotional alarms much more readily than other kids'. It can take courage to face all of those questions, but if you do, and change what can be changed, and the child will automatically respond for the better.
Q. To be honest, I have looked at the environment, and all the things you list as potential stresses, and I just don't see it. We seem to me to be a normal, healthy, functioning family, or at least no more stressed than your average modern parents. And yet my child has ADD. Are you saying I'm missing something?
A. First of all, I'd say that if my analysis doesn't resonate with you, there's probably no point in looking to my book for help. If, on the other hand, you are interested in pursuing this line of inquiry, there are two things you might want to consider.

One is that like many people, you may simply not be aware of the stresses you're under. As I explored in When the Body Says No, people are very often much more stressed than they're consciously aware of because they're so used to it. As a consequence they don't distinguish or notice their stress, because it seems normal to them.

The other is that, like I said before, these kids who develop ADD tend to be highly sensitive - sometimes exquisitely so. Just as a sensitive seismometer counter is going to detect smaller seismic disturbances than a less sensitive instrument, so too will sensitive kids pick up on stresses in the environment that may not affect a more stolid or placid child. Consequently it takes less stressful stimulation to cause emotional pain in a sensitive child. And I make the case in the book that ADD traits like tuning out and distractability first develop as emotional defense mechanisms against this kind of distress.

All the more reason, then, to take a careful look at the child's environment with an eye to uncovering hidden stresses, so that you can address them.
Q. I'm very nervous about medicating my child for ADD - I don't want want to risk turning her into a zombie just for the sake of improving her school performance. What do you suggest?
A. I deal with the question of medication at some length in the book, so I suggest first of all that you take a look at that - in particular Chaper 31.

The first thing to understand is that the purpose of medication should never be to control behaviour or to improve grades or other external results; the proper aim is always to help the child function in the world and feel better about herself. Improved performance may ensue from that outcome - and if so, great - but the focus needs to be on enhancing the child's own experience of life. That also means that medication should never be forced on the child, or given in the face of the child's determined resistance, and would ideally be administered with her consent and participation. And the child should never get the impression that approval or acceptance from the adults in her life is contingent on her taking medication. Any short-term gains would be far outweighed by the disastrous long-term consequences, because healthy development (which is what the ADD child needs in the long run) requires trusting, loving, non-coercive relationship.

Secondly, if you do go the route of medication, there's no reason to stick with a medication that has unwanted side effects, like the "zombification" you're worried about. Each medication is different and every brain is different, so individual drugs are going to affect people in different ways. There are also variations in dosage that can be tried to eliminate side effects.

Overall, as concerned as I am about their overuse and misuse, I'm not against medications in treating ADD. I've prescribed them - in fact I've taken them - and have found that they can be helpful, if they're prescribed and taken in a judicious, targeted, and insightful way. They are never "The Answer", but they can certainly provide some help, as long as it's understood that the long-term goal needs to be healthy development, not just the management of symptoms.
Q. I'm an ADD adult. I've read in online forums that some people consider ADD people to be simply gifted and misunderstood. Whether or not that's true, I'm concerned that treating my condition is going to erase or "flat-line" some of my own traits that I value, like my spontanaeity, creativity, enjoyable flightiness and so on. Are my concerns valid?
A. Not really, I'm happy to tell you.

Look, first of all, it's called a "disorder" for a reason - and I make clear in the book that I don't consider it a disease, but rather a disorder - which is simply, it dis-orders things in one's life, creates a lack of order or workability. So I'd simply ask: does it create disorder in your life? If it doesn't, and your life and personality are working for you, then there's no problem and therefore nothing to fix. On the other hand, if you notice that there are aspects that cause consistent and unwelcome consequences in your life, then it's something you probably want to look at.

Second, so-called "ADD traits" are not the same as the positive traits you're talking about, and addressing the one won't inhibit the other. It's a common misconception, borne of the fact that people who have ADD tend to be highly sensitive - but it's actually that very (inborn) sensitivity, not the ADD, that's the source of you being so creative. Sometimes artists with ADD are afraid that they'll lose their ability to think in a rapid-fire, free-associative way, which they consider vital to their creative process. But that doesn't go away when you properly address the ADD component. What do go away, or become more manageable, are the more problematic aspects like impulsivity, or impatience, or interrupting people, or forgetfulness, or disorganization, or tuning out. Those aren't functions of a creative mind but of an immature brain that's stuck in some early stages of development; if anything they can be impediments to your true creative self-expression. Addressing your ADD traits should get some of that out of your way so that you can be more effective in your life and your creative pursuits. And that's what it's all about, after all - not "fixing" your personality, but making life more manageable and enjoyable.

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Gabor Maté ADHD Expert, Childhood Development Author and Speaker

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Q. It seems that no brain scan or blood test can give a bona-fide diagnosis of ADD/ADHD. In lieu of that what are telltale signs that should prompt someone to seek treatment? A.

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Children's mental health is without a doubt the most important aspect of any child's social and cognitive development.

Children need to have a good mental health status if they are going to live up to their full potential and truly live a life that is filled with positive experiences and the willingness to do what is best for themselves and the people around them.

There are a myriad of factors that can impact a child's mental health status, both positively and negatively. Providing children with an environment that demonstrates love, compassion, trust, and understanding will greatly impact a child so that they can build on these stepping stones to have a productive lifestyle. Many children do not receive that type of lifestyle though. Some children have to deal with a childhood that is filled with angst, resentment, hatred, distrust, and constant negativity. They have a difficult time coping with their emotions. These children will usually make excellent candidates for mental health programs. It is a difficult process for any person, let alone a child, to overcome such adversity but being proactive and doing all that you can for the child will at least help their mental health in some positive fashion.

Some children may also be born with mental health issues. These issues are a product of nature rather than nurture so the child may have a more difficult time dealing with his or her emotional state. Many children just naturally feel depressed or have anxiety issues. When these issues are not dealt with in the proper fashion, the children tend to have lower self-esteem and they struggle in the educational environment.

Children with mental health issues will have a difficult time acclimating to different situations. Studies have shown that these children, if left untreated by a mental health professional, will likely to grow up and repeat these same behaviors with their children. These children tend to have a lower self-worth, negative feelings, perform poorly in school, and later become involved in unhealthy lifestyle decisions. However, when these children are properly treated they can learn how to live a more promising life. They can overcome many of the issues that affect them without their consent. These children can live happy and productive lives that are filled with love, harmony, and a great mental health status.

the latest pages

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Children need to have a good mental health status if they are going to live up to their full potential and truly live a life that is filled with positive experiences and the willingness to do what is best for themselves and the people around them.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in Children

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From training and educational opportunities to networking, the IOCDF has much to offer the mental health professional community. Our professional and institutional members form a strong community of knowledgeable providers and researchers who are working to improve the lives of those affected by OCD across the US, and around the world.

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Child Mind Institute | Transforming Children’s Lives.

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The Child Mind Institute is an independent nonprofit dedicated to transforming the lives of children struggling with mental health and learning disorders.

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The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) is the lead federal agency for research on mental disorders

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Deployments can be challenging for the entire military family. Even with the best preparation children may experience stress when one or both parents deploy. The at-home parent or caregiver may also experience stress as they adjust to new family roles and responsibilities. Although deployment may be challenging, military families often make adjustments that lead to new sources of strength and support.

This article focuses on tools and resources that can help military families decrease stress and strengthen family resilience during a deployment.
Recognizing Signs of Stress in Children
Deployment is a time of change and adjustment for children. It is normal for children to behave and react differently to protect their feelings, to gain reassurance that they are still loved and to assure themselves that the at-home parent or caregiver won't leave them. Although children will have different reactions to separation, it is important to recognize some common signs of stress by age group. The table below provides some helpful guidelines for behaviors and moods children may experience during a deployment.

To learn more about different emotions and behaviors children may experience during deployment, as well as age-appropriate ways to communicate to children during deployment, read:
Helping Children Adjust
During deployment, family roles may change, new routines are established and new sources of support, such as relatives, friends, playgroups and community gatherings are found. The following tips can help children adjust to these transitions:

Provide unconditional love. Children of all ages may feel less safe or secure because of a change in family structure during deployment. Listen patiently to their concerns and let them know it is okay to be sad, frustrated or angry. Make sure children know they are loved by providing consistent, constant reassurance.

Communicate. Children need to feel comfortable that they can ask questions and discuss their thoughts and feelings. Talk to children openly and honestly to help them work through their emotions and reactions. Base what you say about the deployed parent on the child's age and level of understanding.

Connect. Keep in touch as much as possible with the deployed parent with letters, photos, emails and phone calls. Consider setting up a communication schedule, which allows family members to anticipate and look forward to a phone call or email. Also consider using interactive sites such as:

Stick to routines. It is important not to put family life "on hold" until the deployed parent comes home. Children take comfort in routines and will feel more secure if bedtimes, mealtimes and other important rituals remain unchanged. Continuing family traditions such as pizza nights and weekend family activities can provide a fun and relaxing outlet for everyone.

Maintain discipline and firm limits at home. Children will test the at-home parent or caregiver's rules and routines. Make sure your children know that household rules, such as chores and homework, will not change during deployment. Always follow through with a clear and consistent set of consequences and rewards to keep everyone on track.

Stay involved in your child's education. Let teachers and educators know that one or both parents have been deployed, and that your children may be facing extra stress. Schedule regular check-in meetings with teachers to check on progress and learn about behavior changes at school or if they recognize any signs of stress. For more resources, read the article, Working with your Child's Educators During Deployment.

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Increase your children's physical well-being by:

Eating healthy, well-balanced meals together as a family. For nutrition tips and resources, read the article, Nutrition's Role in Building Resilience.

Keeping children active in sports, clubs and hobbies. For more information about the importance of physical activity, read the article, Physical Fitness Training Year-Round Boosts Resilience.

Limiting TV and computer time. Monitor media exposure and base the amount of war-related news your child watches on their age and maturity level.

Taking Care of Yourself
During deployment, the at-home parent or caregiver may feel overwhelmed with added childcare and household responsibilities and may cut out personal time. However, it is important to recognize that taking care of yourself during times of stress is just as important as caring for your children. Consider getting involved with your installation's Family Readiness Group to meet other families in the same situation and find ways to help each other. Find contact information for your installation through MilitaryINSTALLATIONS.
Reach out for Help
Don't hesitate to reach out for help if you find it hard to support your child's emotional needs at any time. You can get support and information by contacting:

Recognizing common emotions and behaviors that children can experience during a deployment along with learning about ways to help children adjust and manage their emotions can strengthen a family while one or both parents are away. Although challenging, deployment can also be an opportunity to reinforce strong family bonds and increase the resilience of the entire family.
Additional Resources

Sources

"Single Parenting While Your Spouse is Deployed," Military OneSource. Last accessed March 6, 2014.

"Helping Your Preschooler Deal with Your Deployment," Military OneSource. Last accessed March 6, 2014.

"Helping Your School-Aged Children Deal with Your Deployment," MilitaryOneSource. Last accessed March 6, 2014.

"Teenagers and Deployment," Military OneSource. Last accessed March 6, 2014.

"The 'So Far' Guide for Helping Children and Youth Cope with the Deployment of a Parent in the Military Reserves," [PDF 317.22] SOFAR. Last accessed March 6, 2014.

"Serving as the Designated Family Caregiver for a Deployed Service Member," Military OneSource. Last accessed March 6, 2014.

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Deployments can be challenging for the entire military family. Even with the best preparation children may experience stress when one or both parents deploy. The at-home parent or caregiver may also experience stress as they adjust to new family roles and responsibilities.

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ADHD Expert

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Dr. Russell A. Barkley - Dedicated to Education and Research on ADHD

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Russell A. Barkley, Ph.D. Dedicated to Education and Research on ADHD

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

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The National Child Traumatic Stress Network

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CFTSI is a brief (5‐8 session), evidence‐based early intervention for children 7 to 18 years old that reduces traumatic stress reactions and the onset of PTSD. CFTSI is implemented within 30-45 days following a traumatic event or the disclosure of physical or sexual abuse.

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Nemours KidsHealth - the Web's most visited site about children's health

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KidsHealth is the #1 most-trusted source for physician-reviewed information and advice on children's health and parenting issues. For parents, kids, teens, and educators, in English and in Spanish.

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"Sue Newman, Co-Founder/Director of the Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc., was a major resource in the work of the renaming of the disorder, Elective Mutism, for the DSM-IV. We held meetings to discuss the views of parents with a child suffering from the disorder. She provided meaningful arguments for the deleterious effects of considering the disorder's symptoms a choice, or elective behavior, on the part of the children. The arguments she presented were cogent, and clinically sensible. It was immensely helpful to have the input of a concerned citizen who had knowledge of other parent's experiences. As a result of our discussions, Elective Mutism was renamed Selective Mutism, and diagnostic criteria was revised to reflect failure to speak in specific social situations, rather than 'refusal' to speak."

Rachel G. Klein, Ph.D.
Professor of Psychiatry
New York University School of Medicine
Advisory Board Member to the
Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc.
DSM-IV 1994 Workgroup-Disorders usually first diagnosed during infancy, childhood, or adolescence.

Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc. is the voice of Trust and Experience.

An ethical, non-profit, public service organization since 1991.
This website is presented to broaden public awareness and understanding of Selective Mutism. Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder with a persistent FAILURE (not refusal) TO SPEAK in select social settings.

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Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc. | School Accomodations

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"Sue Newman, Co-Founder/Director of the Selective Mutism Foundation, Inc., was a major resource in the work of the renaming of the disorder, Elective Mutism, for the DSM-IV. We held meetings to discuss the views of parents with a child suffering from the disorder.