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
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
Questions can make children with selective mutism (SM) anxious. In another post, I recommended to avoid asking questions to children with SM, but sometimes questions cannot be avoided. And, at some point, the child reaches a stage when they are ready to practice answering questions. There are certain ways to ask questions that reduce the child's… Continue reading How to Ask a Question to a Child with Selective Mutism
When a person is fearful of something, they tend to avoid it. The more they avoid it, the more the fear grows. Exposing a person to the thing they fear in a safe, supportive way helps them to break this cycle and become less fearful and avoidant. This type of treatment, called exposure therapy, can… Continue reading Exposure Therapy: Climbing the Ladder
Trying to understand the silence of a child with selective mutism can seem like a mystery, but it's even more challenging to know the best way to interact with them. The way you approach a child with selective mutism can have a great impact on whether or not they speak to you. Every child is… Continue reading How Should I Interact with a Child Who Has Selective Mutism? Tips and Tricks for Everyone
Tried and true, these fun summer activities will provide your child with opportunities to practice brave speaking and stay social this summer. Remember, that each child is at a different stage of communication and you can modify any activity to meet your child's needs. 1 - Swimming Pool/Beach My kids love the water! We have… Continue reading Our Top 10 Ideas for Summer Exposures
Brave Voices 