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Selective Mutism - any advice?

Pageant

Hello everyone,

My eight year old daughter is soon to be assessed for ASD and I expect there will be a diagnosis of ASD/Aspergers.

One of the most significant problems she faces is selective mutism.  She is terrified of talking to people she doesn't know well (i.e. everyone except parents, brother and one friend she made at her old school).  Even Grandma/Grandad have trouble getting her to speak, although she speaks freely with her immediate family.  Everything I've read suggests it's an anxiety response and she is extremely self-conscious in general.  With us though, she's a different girl - happy, funny and giggly a lot of the time.  She'll occasionally be like this with others, but it's fleeting and never seems to last.

Anyone got any ideas for how to help?  I've read a lot about selective mutism unrelated to autism, but the strategies there suggest something more of a pure phobia about speaking.  With my daughter, I think it's different - it's anxiety about social communication (not surprisingly)...  I'm worried it could get worse, but don't know how to stem the tide of any regression (mercifully, she just recently started talking to her childminder again who she goes to once a week, but I've been worried there's been a general regressive trend lately, aside from this).

Any ideas would be very welcome.  Autism-related literature on the subject is thin on the ground - or I'm looking in the wrong places....

Parents

  • Hi,

    In a funny way I am delighted to find that I am not alone!!!!!!

    I have a 10 year old daughter who was diagnosed with Autism last year.  She also has learning difficulties but has been selective mute for most of her school years.  She refuses to speak or do her work in class.   She only speaks to close family when in the house.  Outside she rarely speaks.  If anyone asks her a direct question she completely shuts down.  She will however speak to you on the telephone or through a door (anywhere where there is no eye contact).

    All professionals involved with my daughter now agree that they do not know what to do next.  

    She started back at school today and has a new teacher.  I have been asked to go into the school as this teacher would like to agree on a strategy that we can both stick to.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    PS - I am currently contacting SMIRA to see if they can help.  Will keep you posted!"

Reply

  • Hi,

    In a funny way I am delighted to find that I am not alone!!!!!!

    I have a 10 year old daughter who was diagnosed with Autism last year.  She also has learning difficulties but has been selective mute for most of her school years.  She refuses to speak or do her work in class.   She only speaks to close family when in the house.  Outside she rarely speaks.  If anyone asks her a direct question she completely shuts down.  She will however speak to you on the telephone or through a door (anywhere where there is no eye contact).

    All professionals involved with my daughter now agree that they do not know what to do next.  

    She started back at school today and has a new teacher.  I have been asked to go into the school as this teacher would like to agree on a strategy that we can both stick to.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    PS - I am currently contacting SMIRA to see if they can help.  Will keep you posted!"

Children
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