Selective mutsim, formerly known as elective mutism, is not a choice or defiance, but rather a reaction to fear of some social environments. For example, a child may speak freely at home but become silent in the classroom or on the school bus, or when faced with certain people.
Selective mutism can affect non-verbal communication, such as writing, as well as speech.
The key characteristics of selective mutism are:
- Contrast in speech: There is a difference in the child’s ability to speak in some social settings than others.
- Avoidance: Children with selective mutism may learn to anticipate and avoid situations that trigger their anxiety.
- Other physical symptoms: Children with selective mutism may also exhibit physical symptoms like a blank expression, the avoidance of eye contact, or difficulty expressing feelings and emotions.
- This is not shyness: Shy children may eventually gain confidence and speak, whereas those with selective mutism face a phobia-like anxiety that prevents them from speaking in certain situations.
Supporting children with selective mutism in the classroom
Schools can create a warm and supportive environment, and form good relationships, with a selectively mute child, even when there is no speaking involved. This can mean making adjustments, changing expectations and allowing the non-verbal child to find other ways of communicating in lessons.
Anxiety associated with selective mutism can be relieved using specific techniques:
- Inviting the child (and their parents) into the classroom before other children arrive so they can ‘warm up’ before the days starts.
- Using comments, rather than direct questions. For example, instead of asking ‘where did you get that?’ you could say ‘I’d love to know where this came from, it’s lovely’.
- Praise their participation. Allow the child to answer in ways other than speaking, such as by drawing or writing.
- Offer alternatives such as pointing, nodding, the use of a small whiteboard or images so they can participate in class discussions.
- Use a buddy system. Pair the child with an empathetic and supportive classmate to help ease social interactions.
- Avoid putting any pressure on the child to speak through bribes, challenges or cajoling.
- Don’t single them out to respond to questions or read aloud unless they initiate the action.
- Consider switching them to another class. A selectively mute child might feel more comfortable speaking to classmates and teachers where the mutism is not ingrained and there is no history of not-speaking.
- Be patient. The child will hopefully make progress at their own pace.
The severity of selective mutism can be relieved with early diagnosis and treatment using techniques such as cognitive behavioural therapy, which is a common approach with this condition.
*For more information go to selectivemutism.org.uk
