I knew this Summer when I found out that October was Selective Mutism month, that I wanted to spread awareness about it. I found it kinda funny that October is SM month, and Chelsea's birth month. Not many know what Selective Mutism is, or have even heard of it. I know I had not heard of it until I started to do my own research as to why my child is SO shy. Selective Mutism came up and I read about it. I knew something was off from her 2nd day at school, as she still had not spoken to the teachers. I just kinda brushed it off. A whole week went by, and I knew this was not normal, but the teachers said se would warm up, and I even went in to class with her & stayed. Nothing helped. Eventually a month went by, then 2, 3, 4,........then it was the end of the year, and still she had not spoken to a teacher. She entered early 5's that Fall, and the same pattern started all over again. This time we went and sought help. We got nowhere with that therapist, he totally dropped us like a hot potato. With no recommendations, so we tried reaching out to the school. The school counselor was awesome! She got through to Chelsea, and really put her heart in to helping her. Sadly, she left to go to another school. So here we are today with no help, and frustrated as ever to what to do, or where to go. She did take a big step today, she used the phone today to call a friend!! She always wanted to talk on the phone, but she always clammed up when it got time to talk. So proud of her. She also said today that her friends wants her to try Girl's Scouts. If it has any potential to help her be social, I will do it. She knows she has to earn badges, and we told her that somethings you might have to talk to get that badge. It's worth a shot. Anything to get her to be more social. Her teacher called me today, and said she still has not spoken with him, I told him I knew that. But he did say that she is warming up, and she is a great student, and listens, and pays attention in class, but she is just a little behind. Chelsea has always has been just a little behind in school, and I believe it's all due to her SM. He said that she is not behind that bad, just a bit. He has also talked to other teacher & other people about selective mutism, and they had no idea what it was as well. They had thought it was Autism, a lot of people think it's autism. It isn't. Yes, some kids with autism do have selective mutism, but they don't go hand & hand.
Selective Mutism is an anxiety disorder. People with SM are perfectly capable of talking, and have no speech problems, they just have a hard time speaking in some settings. Most people with selective mutism do speak to people, mostly those whom are primarily close, or who live in the house hold, but this could be different for many. My daughter talks to me, her dad, and her brothers, and 1 other family member, anyone else she does not speak to. She does speak with her friends as well. It's a heartbreaking condition, and can be very frustrating. But not pushing to speak, and being supportive, and knowledgeable are what helps those with SM. I just hope my efforts get the message of selective mutism out there.
Break the Silence...Spread Information about Selective Mutism
No comments:
Post a Comment