ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on coexisting conditions more fully. As a parent or teacher of a child who has selective mutism (SM), one may be concerned in other ways about their development or how they present. Certain professionals, usually a doctor, psychologist or other specialist, have the specific role of assessing and diagnosing other difficulties that children may have alongside SM. Some basic knowledge and awareness of other difficulties may help to explain slower progress with overcoming the SM and will ensure a coordinated approach to management. Mild-to-moderate emotional and behavioural difficulties are recognised and managed every day by teachers and therapists working at 'grass-roots' level. More serious emotional and behavioural difficulties, which have a significant effect on the child's wellbeing, education, social or family life, may be called mental health disorders. Separation anxiety causes the child to show excessive distress either before or during times of separation from their parents or carers.
