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My Child & Selective Mutism

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My Child & Selective Mutism

Navigating Selective Mutism with my child.

06/06/2024

Earlier this week, my son’s teacher told me that he used his voice for the first time during the morning registry at school. When they called out his name, he said “YES”!
I know it’s a small word, but to me, it's monumental. So far, he had 95 sliding-in sessions, but moments like these confirm that we are on the right path.

Hang in there, don't give up. Every step forward is worth celebrating! 💕 ⠀

05/06/2024

How did you first learn about Selective Mutism?

I had never heard of Selective Mutism until my son's speech therapist diagnosed him with it. It was a massive shock at the time, trying to comprehend why such a young child would have an anxiety disorder.

Now, I strongly believe that raising awareness is crucial. It's all too easy for a preschool child to go unnoticed and miss out on important early intervention.

Let's spread awareness 💙

#

08/02/2024

Today marked the 50th sliding-in session at school with my son.

A sliding-in session for kids with selective mutism involves breaking down speaking activities into small, manageable steps. The goal is to gradually expose the child to speaking situations, starting with activities that they feel comfortable doing.

It is a gradual process that aims to build the child's confidence and comfort level in speaking situations over time, ultimately supporting them in finding their voice.

(Today we played Banana Blast 😀 🍌, the best session so far!)

He now occasionally, very quietly uses his voice during the sessions, and it truly feels like we are finding his voice one step at a time! Still, a long way to go, but each small victory is worth celebrating and is a testament to his progress and growing confidence.

If you're navigating similar situations, remember: that you are not alone.
Keep pushing forward!

06/02/2024

Breaking the Silence: Selected Mutism Awareness

Did you know that 1 in 140 children in the UK are affected by selective mutism?

This often misunderstood condition can have a significant impact on a child's daily life.
Let's work together to raise awareness and support those affected.

29/01/2024

🌟 Understanding and supporting my child with selective mutism is a journey filled with learning and compassion. There are moments when talking feels too difficult for my little one every day, but we're navigating through it together, one step at a time.

Through patience and understanding, we work on overcoming his phobia in small steps at his own pace.

To all the parents on a similar journey, you're not alone. Let's support each other. 💕

28/01/2024

Since my son started school, I've been asked numerous times by other children why he doesn't talk at school.

I found the following explanations work well:

• He can talk and will talk at school as soon as he feels ready
• Some of us find it hard to speak in large groups. It’ll be easier when just the two of you work or play together.
• He’s working on it. You can be a good friend and just wait for it to happen.
• He would love to talk, but he can’t always speak out freely

🌟What do you say, when other children inquire about why a child with selective mutism, not talking?

27/01/2024

I had a lovely bedtime story with my son. We were reading the book “My name is Eliza and I don't talk at school” by Lucy Nathanson. 🌟🌟

The book really affected him, and he wants to practice being brave like the girl in the story.

➡I recommend this book to anyone who cares for, interacts with, or teaches a child with SM. It provides invaluable insight and a huge ray of hope.

Like the story in the book, my son is facing his fear in small manageable steps, at his own pace, gradually working toward people outside his comfort zone.

Social participation like attending school, attending parties, and mixing with other kids are big steps. But these first steps are only possible and effective if we can remove any pressure of having to talk and create an environment where we can let kids with SM talk in their own time.

Learning and educating others is where it all starts. Let’s spread awareness!💛

Are there any books you would recommend?

26/01/2024

My four-year-old son was diagnosed with selective mutism last year. At that time, I had never heard of it before and struggled to accept that such severe anxiety could affect a happy little boy.

However, looking back, there were clear signs at least a year earlier, which I initially attributed to the aftermath of lockdown, where he missed out on playgroups and social interaction.

➡He found it impossible to join toddler playgroups, often curling up on the floor and screaming at any attempt to move him towards the group.

➡He also struggled with visitors at home, hiding and refusing to enter rooms with guests.

➡He also struggled with his nursery experience. He remained mute for the entire time, which I only found out towards the end.

In hindsight, I realise that these social situations caused him intense discomfort.

It's crucial to understand that every child shows different signs of selective mutism.
Therefore, it's so important to learn about it and raise awareness, as it helps you to understand and support your child in the best possible way.

Which early signs did you notice?

25/01/2024

As a mother, I want to share the progress my son has made on his selective mutism journey. At school, we've implemented three sliding-in sessions per week to support his communication development.

During these short sessions, I've found that card games like "Double" and
"Colourful semantics flashcards" work well in engaging him.

You can download the Colourful semantics flashcards from https://www.twinkl.co.uk/
Laminating is optional 😀

Which games work best for your child? I would love to find out.

24/01/2024

A year ago I had never heard of Selective Mutism, but now, here, I'm helping my four-year-old son find his voice. He has been diagnosed with this condition in September last year.

Selective Mutism is a rare disorder where a child can speak in some settings but finds it difficult or impossible in others due to anxiety.

Looking back, it's easy to see earlier signs that were mistaken for shyness or something he would 'grow out of.'

If you're a parent with a child in nursery, and you're concerned about a speech delay, don't wait to seek professional advice from a qualified speech therapist. Early intervention can make a world of difference.

Do you have a child with selective mutism? Let’s spread awareness!💛

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