Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in children where they are unable to communicate in certain settings or around certain people. These children may communicate well with their parents and those they are closely acquainted with but be unable to do so with others. This can create problems when it is time for them to go to school and interact with other children and teachers. You can check out sites like The Human Condition for more on this topic.
However, there are ways of combating selective mutism, and if the parents and caregivers work closely, it is possible to help a child gain confidence and learn to speak in new, real life settings.
1. Calm Environment
When a child fails to speak under specific circumstances, it should be assumed that something in their surroundings is causing them stress. The cause of triggering stress might not be easily detectable by an adult, but it generates enough anxiety that makes the child shut down.
Try to make sure that when the child is brought into a new environment, he or she is secure and safe in every possible way. Try to avoid loud noises, loud colors, or aggravated graphics. Soothing music playing in the background helps.
Do not force the child to speak to strangers from the very beginning if they do not want to. Instead, give the child some time to get used to the new surroundings and new faces and gain their trust.
2. Be Patient and Supportive
Understand that children with selective mutism might require more time to tune in with their surroundings. While it is not alright to use baby talk with them all the time, it would be wrong to assume that they understand every bit of what you are communicating as an adult would.
Ensure to be mindful of body language as well as what is said verbally, as this can also have a powerful effect on encouraging positive communication. Once they see other ways of expressing themselves, they might take on other communication methods. This acts as an excellent bridge till a point comes when they feel confident enough to speak up.
3. Respect Their Choices
Some adults may feel that children should always do as they are told to do, but this can only cause more stress in a child with selective mutism. Doing something they are clueless about and not asking about the exercise's purpose gives rise to more confusion and anxiety.
Make the child feel as if they always have a choice and respect their choices when they make one. It could be about a dress they want to wear or a particular toy they want to play with, although it is study time.
Children with selective mutism often suffer from low self-esteem and confidence. Giving them the power to choose often encourages them, and this is the first step of coming out of their shell.
4. Connect with the Real World
When a child with selective mutism is taken to a therapist, a treatment plan will usually be recommended. While this treatment is followed during every therapy session, it is essential to take a more real-world view of the issue. The parents or the caregivers should continue with the therapy even outside the doctor's office.
Although children with selective mutism do not speak much, it does not mean they do not always notice and absorb what is happening around them. Do not feel it would be a waste of time to take them to the park just because they would not play with other children. Take them anyway, and let them experience that it is alright to be out and about.
After a few weeks, their anxiety might go down when they see other children enjoying themselves, and they feel it is safe to do so.
5. Stop Reinforcing
At times, adults often reinforce patterns that can prevent the child from pushing themselves out of the comfort zone. Once you have made sure that the child is in a safe environment, you must let them speak out at times for themselves. So, if a child feels anxious while trying to order his favorite flavor of ice cream, it is natural that you might want to do it on his or her behalf.
But that only reinforces the idea subconsciously that it is best not to speak, and someone will be there to take care of things on their behalf. This will never allow the child to become confident. It might be difficult at first, but you need to show some tough love at this point for the greater good and ensure that the child fights his anxieties.
With cognitive and speech therapy, it is possible to treat selective mutism completely. The parents and teachers need to provide a safe and happy environment for the child's personality. You can check out sites like the Human Condition for more information.
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