 Parents Can Help
Posted By Dr Fung On 9/16/2003 10:31:23 PM In Read
Reduce the child's anxiety
Do not force the child to speak. It is important that the parent does not blame the child. No matter how infuriated you are, remember that its not something that the child wants. I have spoken to several teenagers who have started speaking after being diagnosed as selectively mute in the past. A common thread appears to be a feeling that although they want to speak, they are unable to do so. A mother of a selectively mute child who is also selectively mute herself describes it as a "speech block".
Encourage the child to develop independent skills. Give the child responsibilities at home (e.g with household chores). Make the child purchase items in which he/she wants (e.g. buying a favourite burger). For older children, encourage the child to participate in group activities (like clubs) or to attend vacation camps. Many selectively mute children have social anxiety and need an outlet to develop social skills. Activities that are fun can make this easier (compared to school which is often academics based).
Improve communication
Parents can help reinforcement of speech in school by providing rewards and incentives. But do not force the child into speaking. Instead, suggest to your child about communicating with his/her teacher. "If you can smile at your teacher, we will give you a star" Develop a step by step approximation towards actual speech. For example the steps could be; smile at the teacher, raise hand to say hello, whisper "hello" to teacher, say "hello" to teacher.
As the child will speak to the parent, whenever you go to school with your child. Speak to your child in the school environment. Ask him/her questions about what is going on in school. By getting the selectively mute child to talk with you, you are also reducing his/her sensitivity to the unfamiliar environment at school. We have had a number of children who feel more comfortable with a pet and is able to speak with the pet. Making a request with the school for the selectively mute child to have his/her pet present is a useful method of helping the child to be more relaxed.
Reduce the gains that a selectively mute child receives. In many cases that we see, parents, siblings, teachers and classmates have accomodated the child's mute behaviour by doing things for them and treating them as if they are really mute. Take opportunities to encourage the child to do things for themselves. For example, if your child wants to buy something, give him/her the money but make them go and purchase it on their own.
Work closely with professionals
The teacher, speech and language pathologist, psychologist and psychiatrist can help you. Seek their help and advice.
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