All About Selective Mutism

[pingsped]

What I mean is to fix a routine temporarily

Eg your child has to ask for toilet at 1pm whether he needs to go or not.
The therapist should not ask verbally. He can just tap at the clock & wait for the child. If there’s no response, use a written cue card for him to read out the request.

Asking the child verbally if he needs help or toilet break, will reduce a child’s chances of speaking up. as the child gets used to speaking up, the anxiety will go away gradually.

Try to work with teachers to give him a chance to speak up regularly eg telling class the date . I once observed a great Chinese teacher who will get the kids to answer questions abt date, weather etc daily. Since it’s predictable the shy kids are less anxious

[dimension]

i wonder if this is really that rare or is it just less known and no one looks out for it… because the children are still functional and less obvious and disruptive to other ppl vs autism

[jlim]

When my ds was diagnosed with SM in p1, I print out leaflet for his teachers to hv a better understanding on SM. Then I ‘trouble’ his Ft to give him toilet break as and when depending on teacher’s timetable. My ds is in p6 this year. In p 4, he started to go to the toilet before recess is over. Since p5, he was able to ask for permission when very urgent. It’s important to inform and communicate with the teachers frequently to assured the child and build his confidence.

[dimension]

wondering who u all see to get diagnosis? where to start? thanks


also on a side note do all kids outgrow this?
anyone know bigger kids like sec sch still will?

[jlim]

My ds was referred to the school counsellor by p1 teacher after observing him been very quiet. Then school counsellor refer him to CGC IMH.

I’ve heard of kids in secondary schools still hv SM. I think it really depends on the individual.

[not on facebook]

pingsped:

What I mean is to fix a routine temporarily

Eg your child has to ask for toilet at 1pm whether he needs to go or not.
The therapist should not ask verbally. He can just tap at the clock & wait for the child. If there's no response, use a written cue card for him to read out the request.

Asking the child verbally if he needs help or toilet break, will reduce a child's chances of speaking up. as the child gets used to speaking up, the anxiety will go away gradually.

Try to work with teachers to give him a chance to speak up regularly eg telling class the date . I once observed a great Chinese teacher who will get the kids to answer questions abt date, weather etc daily. Since it's predictable the shy kids are less anxious

Ahh ok I see. Ok will try that timing thing with his kindy teacher and his therapist.. he still has 1/2 a yr to pri sch so let's hope it works! Thanks vm for your suggestion

[pingsped]

dimension:

wondering who u all see to get diagnosis? where to start? thanks


also on a side note do all kids outgrow this?
anyone know bigger kids like sec sch still will?

Asking for toilet breaks can be achieved quite easily over time.
Public speaking or addressing a group requires thinking skills eg formulate message, switching attention among speakers/listeners, etc

Kids with existing language or learning difficulties may have more difficulties outgrowing SM.

In older kids, the condition may be reclassified as a form of social anxiety.

You can google \" long-term outcome study of selective mutism in childhood\"

participating in sports or performance arts eg dance, choirs, etc can help kids in overcoming social anxiety.

[pinkamoon]

Hi!I was a teacher for 11 years before I resigned. I came across 2 pupils who had selective mutism. I thought I will just share with parents. 1 child did not speak up. Being one of the twins, I thought she was always being compared with the better other twin. In times of apperance etc, she looked more untidy, academics wise, she also could not cope very well. Attention was given more to the better twin. After that, it was discovered that she did not talk to cover her teeth as she was shy to show her teeth that were dirty and yellow. I think her self esteem was low from her appearance, academics, lack of attention.

Another child was bright. Her story started with preschool teachers wanting children to keep quiet, so she stayed that way and told it was cool. After that, because she did not know how to deal with questions from friends if she talked, so she chose to remain quiet.
The reason for sharing these stories is maybe for parents to observe and perhaps understand sone root cause. Maybe through note writiing, positive reinforcement etc to slowly uncover the mystery. I am sure parents have worked very hard in helping their children, that is unquestionable. Keep up the good work parents, never give up! Hope my sharing of these 2 case studies will help you.

[maanyag]

Hi, hope this thread is still up. I got a girl going P1 next year and she also shows some of these signs. She doesnt talk to any teacher or friends :-(. Although her teacher was able to understand her.


My problem is when she will be primary 1. Will it get any better?

[pinkamoon]

Hi maanyag! u just have to observe and get regular feedback from teacher. Perhaps u can let the teacher know that she has a tendency to keep quiet so that she can give her more chances to speak up in class.