![]() ![]() ![]() There is however usually no spontaneous communication with adults. Low profile: This is when the child may manage to speak a little when this is absolutely necessary and when the fear of disapproval outweighs the fear of talking. High profile: This is when the child is totally silent with certain people in certain situations. Eye-to-eye gaze and facial expression may also diminish. They may become ‘frozen’ and then find it difficult to point to indicate or use gesture. Over time, children with selective mutism may withdraw more generally and then fear other means of communication, such as writing or pointing. Children with selective mutism can become fearful of vocalising in other ways too, such as coughing or laughing. Selective mutism is best thought of as a ‘speech phobia’. The inability to speak in certain situations is limiting academic or social functioning.The disorder is not due to another communication or language learning difficulty.This varied speech pattern has been apparent for a month or more.The child speaks happily and freely in some situations, but not in others.Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), whereby: If you are a speech and language therapist, please sign up or log in to access the full version of this content. Social, emotional and mental health (children).Learning and development › Practice-based learning.Recognise your child’s other strengths and talk about these with them.Respond positively to non-verbal communication.Never remove the need for your child to communicate (with words or in other ways).Provide opportunities to speak but do not expect it.Remove all pressure to speak and ensure that all associations with talking are positive.‘You will be able to talk when you are ready, just as you do at home.’ Reassure your child that they will not have their fear forever, e.g.‘I know you want to speak, but talking to new people can feel scary’. Instead acknowledge their fear of speaking, e.g. Do not ask your child why they cannot talk.if after trying the strategies you are still concerned then a referral to the speech and language therapy service can be made for specialist advice and support.īelow is a list of some of the key strategies outlined in the video. It is recommended that if you have concerns that a child or young person may be selectively mute, that you and other adults who spend time with the child, watch the video and try out the strategies outlined for three months. This video is based on the training that we provide for families and school staff to help them understand what selective mutism is and provides advice, strategies and further links to additional information that will help you to understand the condition and how you can help Their panic reaction is so extreme and frightening that they either freeze and become unable to speak or do all they can to avoid the need to talk. This is not normal shyness, it is an anxiety disorder where children have developed a phobia of talking to anyone outside their limited comfort zone e.g. ‘Selective mutism’ used to be known as ‘elective mutism’ but it is now understood that the child’s mutism is not a choice. ![]() Often the problem is not apparent until the child goes to playgroup, nursery or school. Selective mutism is a term used when children who are able to talk comfortably to some people, usually family members and close friends, are silent or unable to talk freely when other people are present. ![]()
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