For many kids with selective mutism, challenges at school reach beyond their struggle to communicate. The anxiety that drives mutism often causes other social fears and avoidance. Eating in front of others is a common challenge that children with selective mutism encounter at school. Mary refuses to eat a school. Her parents pack her lunch… Continue reading Common Challenges – Eating at School
The holiday season can be a very busy and stressful time, especially for children with anxiety. But, that doesn't mean that you need to avoid the celebrations. With all the activities and parties going on, there are numerous opportunities to help children with selective mutism (SM) practice their bravery. Here are five ideas to get… Continue reading 5 Exposure Ideas for the Holidays
Is a child just shy, or is there something more going on? This is the pressing question. Should we be concerned and establish interventions to help the child, or simply give him encouragement and more time to mature? Misunderstanding shy behavior contributes to the lag between showing symptoms of selective mutism (SM) and actually receiving… Continue reading Extremely Shy – or Is It More? How to Identify Signs of Selective Mutism
Selective mutism (SM) is so much more than not speaking. People with selective mutism feel a great deal of anxiety that affects their ability to express themselves in many ways, not just verbally. Over 90% of people with selective mutsim also have social anxiety, which is defined as an intense fear of being judged, negatively evaluated,… Continue reading Beyond Mute: Other Characteristics of Selective Mutism
Shaping provides reinforcement for any attempt at communication, starting with gestures or non-verbal communication that is gradually shaped to audible speech. It may include gestures, mouthing, making noises, making letter sounds and eventually leads to the child speaking words and sentences. Advantages Bridges the gap between nonverbal and verbal communication. Makes use of many types… Continue reading How Shaping is Used to Treat Selective Mutism
Looking back on our journey thus far, I am amazed at the process we have gone through and how far we have come. There are a few things I know now, that I wish I would have known from the beginning. 1. There is no quick fix for selective mutism. It takes a lot of… Continue reading Ten Things I Wish I Would Have Known
I've been thinking a lot about motivation lately. As parents, we try hard to motivate our children to do many different things such as keep their room clean, eat healthy foods, treat others with kindness and respect, and do their best in school. Some children are easily motivated, while others are very difficult to persuade.… Continue reading Motivation
Returning to school after summer vacation is a difficult experience for a child with selective mutism. This transition can be just as stressful for the parents! Sending your child off when you know they can't communicate and advocate for themselves is heartbreaking. Thoughtful preparation will help make the transition as smooth as possible. Visit the… Continue reading Back to School: Making a Smooth Transition
Myth #1: Selective mutism is caused by trauma, mistreatment, or bad parenting. Selective mutsim (SM) is an anxiety disorder, but many people confuse it with traumatic mutism - a condition in which a person suddenly becomes mute in all settings after a traumatic experience. The rate of trauma in kids with selective mutism is the… Continue reading 5 Common Myths About Selective Mutism
During a school carnival your child with selective mutism is trying desperately to hide behind you as a familiar adult approaches and asks him if he likes his school class. Your son doesn't respond to the man's repeated questions. The man then turns to you and says, "Wow, he acts like I'm a complete… Continue reading How to Deal with Rude Comments
Brave Voices 