Selective Mutism
What is selective mutism?
Children with selective mutism (SM) can speak well in some situations, but remain silent in others. Children usually talk freely at home, with family members, but find themselves unable to talk outside their home. Some children can only talk with their parents and brothers and sisters.
Most children with SM are girls, and boys with SM often have other difficulties with communication and learning. Children with SM often describe themselves as feeling physically unable to speak: even feeling a physical blockage in their throat, though none in fact exists. Children may have no other identifiable problems and make progress at school in areas where speaking is not required, though their inability to talk in school presents them, and the adults who work with them, with significant challenges.
Selective Mutism was originally known as elective mutism, as professionals believed that children were choosing not to speak, and were therefore thought to be challenging and manipulative. The term Selective Mutism reflects current understanding that the children’s silence is not something they can control. It can be seen as a type of extreme social anxiety or phobia.
How does selective mutism develop?
SM can begin as shyness, but for various reasons children become progressively unable to speak in public, and especially at pre-school or in school. No single cause has been identified, though emotional, psychological and social factors may play a strong part. In some cases trauma can be an important factor, perhaps in school or hospital. Some children with SM are also anxious about new or unfamiliar situations and activities, and may be overly worried about taking risks.
Children may have other behaviours, such as limited eye contact and facial expression, physical rigidity, nervous fidgeting and withdrawal.
SM often develops as children get older. It may not always improve spontaneously, and in some cases can become an intractable condition that severely limits young people’s life chances.
How can children be helped?
Early identification and appropriate support is of vital importance. If a child is not speaking at pre-school or school after a period of ‘settling in’ then a Speech and Language Therapist should be consulted. The most important form of help is to establish good links between home, school and any professionals who are involved.
Maggie Johnson and Alison Wintgens, two Speech and Language Therapists, have produced a practical and comprehensive book about SM. ‘The Selective Mutism Resource Manual’ offers practical and effective strategies for helping children and young people with anxiety about talking in public. Their approach to developing confident speaking is a comprehensive guide to research and literature about SM, as well as offering effective advice to parents and professionals.
Maggie and Alison identify two very important ideas: that children with SM do want to talk, but need help to become confident speakers; children need a step-by-step approach that involves the family and school working closely together.
The Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMIRA) support families and schools by providing information and advice. Their DVD ‘Silent Children: Approaches to Selective Mutism’ is an excellent introduction to SM and to effective strategies.
Research into selective mutism
Michael Jones conducted UK-wide research into the use of interactive computer software at home and at school, to support children with SM who are at an early stage of becoming confident speakers. Two pieces of software, ‘Choose and Tell’ and ‘Lexion’ were introduced to the children at home, as this is their ‘comfort zone’ where they are able to speak freely. Once the children are confident with the software, it was transferred to school, for use in class. The hope was that the children with SM would be more likely to talk with their classmates while using the programs. Findings from the pilot stage of the research are very encouraging.
The research was funded by the children’s charity AACT for Children: Access-Ability Communication Technology www.aact4children.org.
What groups help children, families, schools and other organisations?
The Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMIRA) is the main group in the UK working to develop understanding of the condition, and provides support for families, schools and other groups. SMIRA is based in Leicester, and maintains a national parents’ register, a reference list of books and articles, provides leaflets, a regular newsletter and produced a book and a DVD. Visit www.selectivemutism.co.uk for further information.
Maggie Johnson, co-author of ‘The Selective Mutism Resource Manual’ can be contacted via talktalk@compuserve.com
High sensitivity in children
Some parents describe their children with selective mutism as being 'extra sensitive' to many aspects of life, and not just about communication. They may be very aware of noise, smell or may feel very uncomfortable in their clothes. One parent described her child as 'having a very thin skin'. Psychologist Elaine Aaron has written two popular books on the subject of high sensitivity, where she describes how children and adults might feel, how high sensitivity might show itself, and what to do to help children and adults.
Books for adults
‘The Selective Mutism Resource Manual’ by Maggie Johnson and Alison Wintgens.
Published by Speechmark. www.speechmark.net
‘Selective Mutism in Children’ by Tony Cline and Sylvia Baldwin
Published by Whurr Publishing. www.whurr.co.uk
‘Silent Children: Approaches to Selective Mutism’ by Rosemary Sage and Alice Sluckin
Published by SMIRA www.selectivemutism.co.uk
Books for children
‘My Friend Daniel Doesn’t Talk’ by Sharon Longo
Published by Speechmark. www.speechmark.net
‘Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears’ by Emily Gravett
Published by Macmillan
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Interactive Software
The two pieces of interactive software used in Michael Jones’ research are:
‘Lexion’ interactive software to support reading, spelling and language development
Visit www.euroguide.se for more details
‘Choose and Tell’ software to develop language and storytelling is produced by Inclusive Technology. Visit www.inclusive.co.uk for more details.
Radio interview with Michael Rosen and Michael Jones talking about selective mutism and Michael's research
The interview was part of BBC Radio 4's 'Word of Mouth' programme, originally broadcast on December 2nd 2008. Simply click the play button above to begin.