Table of Contents
Can you write with selective mutism?
What causes selective mutism. Experts regard selective mutism as a fear (phobia) of talking to certain people. The cause is not always clear, but it’s known to be associated with anxiety. The child will usually have a tendency to anxiety and have difficulty taking everyday events in their stride.
What do you say to someone with selective mutism?
When interacting with a child with Selective Mutism, DO:
- Allow for warm-up time.
- Monitor the child’s body language.
- Talk “around” the child at first with focus on parents or siblings.
- Get down on the child’s level and focus on a prop.
- Ask choice and direct questions to the child with focus on the prop.
Do Speech therapists help with selective mutism?
A certified speech-language pathologist (SLP) generally has the appropriate training and skills to help treat children with communication deficits related to selective mutism (SM). Treatment requires knowledge of the disorder and information about the child’s speech and language skills.
Is selective mutism caused by trauma?
Studies have shown no evidence that the cause of Selective Mutism is related to abuse, neglect or trauma. What is the difference between Selective Mutism and traumatic mutism? Children who suffer from Selective Mutism speak in at least one setting and are rarely mute in all settings.
Is selective mutism an emotional disturbance?
Selective Mutism is not a Learning disability, Emotional disturbance, nor a Speech/Language impairment. A Selectively Mute student who displays any of these conditions would then have an additional and separate education need.
Do speech therapists help with selective mutism?
Can a child overcome selective mutism?
Can kids grow out of SM? Experts don’t know how many children with selective mutism will grow out of the disorder. But what we do know is that treating it becomes much harder the older a child is, so it is extremely important not to put off treatment.
How does selective mutism affect social impairment?
Consider the degree of selective mutism your character will demonstrate. It’s not surprising that SM often results in social impairment. This is particularly so as they grow older and extended social relationships become more central in their lives. As peers begin dating and socializing more, children with SM may become progressively more isolated.
What does a mute person look like?
Although some may be completely mute and unable to speak or communicate to anyone in a social setting, others may be able to speak to a select few or perhaps whisper. A less severely affected character may look relaxed and carefree, and be able to socialize with one or a few children.
What is mutmutism and how does it work?
Mutism (a variation of the ‘freeze’ in the fight, flight or freeze response) is their way of managing an extremely frightening experience. In the case of children with SM, the fearful scenarios are social settings such as birthday parties, school, family gatherings, routine errands, etc.
Why is my character choosing not to speak?
The salient point though is that mutism is rare, and as an author, you need to consider why your character is choosing not to speak. As a highly social and verbal species, the choice not to speak is a significant one, and the motivation and consequences need to be thoroughly examined.