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How do you deal with a kid who has selective mutism?

Erin - posted on 04/24/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )

My son just turned 7yrs old and he is in the 1st grade. The school is trying to figure out what is wrong with him and why he doesn't act like the rest of the kids. Selective Mutism is something that came up that he might have,so I'm trying to find what I can do to help him. He talks at home, but is shy everywhere else. He used to talk a little outside of home and talked more if he got to know you, but ever since Christmas he has completly shut down. He doesn't even talk at the store, at daycare, at school or in front of my mom who he sees often anymore. We thought at first he had autism, because he has some symptoms of it , but was tested and is very high functioning but there is some problems. He takes speech, OT and Title one reading classes at school. I have him in cub scouts and now soccer. I have heard good things about fish oil, but have not tried it yet. ANY THOUGHTS???

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Pixie - posted on 06/17/2009

Hi!! I don't have any experience with a child who has selective mutism, but have read a great many books on the subject...Torey Hayden is the author, and her books are all about her work she does with kids who have the disorder. Bear in mind, her books are about abused kids who have the disorder, and that won't apply to you, but her teaching meathods are very clearly laid out, and may be helpful. If you do a Google search, I'm sure you'll find a full list of her books. The most popular, and most documented book is "One Child".

Pixie...

xxxx

Nicola - posted on 04/26/2009

hiya

im in the uk so things are probably a bit different but my youngest son has selective mutism! i had never heard of it until he was diagnosed!

my son also has many other problems (born weighing 1lb 7 15wks early, chronic lung disease and needs oxygen when asleep and when ill, central sleep apnea, hypermobility, fed via a tube in his tummy, sm, adhd, he is diagnosed on the autistic spectrum too) has many more issues but would be here all day!

they are pretty sure my son has something genetic but all tests have been normal so far.

he talks at home (we struggle to shut him up and he is very very hyperactive) but he is very quiet outside of home, he is 5 yrs old and has just started to speak to his grandad and this has never happened. he looks at someone and his first impression decided wether he ever speaks to them or not! we havent been given too much advice on sm cause it isnt the worst problem he has so not top priority tbh, he hides under tables and things and people think he is quiet and dont realise how worried he is.

the psychiatrist we see for him said its all linked to his anxiety issues but i have no idea what we can do to help, we tend to encourage him to talk near other people, keep him as relaxed as possible and try to avoid stressful situations but ofcourse he spends a lot of time in hospital so it isnt always easy!

sorry i havent got the answers for you but just to let you know you arnt alone!

nikki x