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Selective Mutism SMart Tips!
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| A Caring and Understanding Teacher |
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The ideal teacher for a child with Selective Mutism must clearly understand the behavioral characteristics for a severely anxious child with SM. These children often stand motionless and expressionless and are unable to initiate conversation and play when feeling anxious.
When a teacher asks the child with SM a question, the child may just stare back, look away, or put his/her head down. The teacher needs to clearly understand that these behavioral characteristics are due to anxiety and
not
defiance.
The teacher needs to be open-minded and enable the child to communicate in a nonverbal manner. Allowing the child to see that nonverbal communication is accepted relieves pressure and allows the child to feel as though the teacher understands him/her
.
Given the opportunity, SM children will become experts in
n
onverbal communication!
SM children use a variety of techniques including pointing, tapping, signaling, writing, and often, intricate hand signals to communicate to friends and family when in an anxious setting.
As time goes on, children with SM often develop friends with whom they will communicate in the classroom. These other friends also become quite competent in understanding the child's 'unspoken' language.
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Some examples of simple
nonverbal communication that the teacher can use to help the child with SM:
- Use hand signals such as thumbs up (yes) and thumbs down (no)
- The use of classroom objects. For example, if a child needs to go to the bathroom, wants something for snack, or just wants to say "Hi," a handmade sign can be used
- 3x5 cards or larger signs with pre-written messages
- Use of word-right with prewritten words and messages. Child can flip to different words when needing to communicate
- Older children can write answers to questions on a blackboard or in a notebook
In the beginning stages, such as the start of school or when the child is still anxious and uncomfortable in the classroom, nonverbal communication is used as a way of helping the child become proactive and relaxed.
As the child progresses through treatment, and anxiety is lowered, gradual weaning from nonverbal to verbal communication should be advocated.
Teachers should allow the younger child to bring in stuffed animals or toys to help them feel more at home. Bringing items from home often gives the child a sense of 'security.'
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Ask the Counselor!
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JENNIFER BRITTINGHAM, M.A.
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Question:
My son's friend is upset with him because my son won't talk to him in school. He and other children are always trying to get my son to talk in school. How can I help?
Answer:
First off, your son
CAN'T
talk in school; it is not that he WON'T talk in school. Anxiety is high and your son becomes communicatively impaired. I suggest talking to your son first. Let him know that you understand. Let him know that although speaking is hard and can be scary at times, everyone has something that is difficult. I suggest making a list with your son of things he can do well and easily. Talk about this openly and let your son express his feelings to you. Then, once he is comfortable, he can either approach his friend/s (if he is old enough and feels comfortable) or you can talk with the other child and your son together. Explain to your son's friend that 'talking' in school is hard right now, and that your son's inability to talk has nothing to
do with his friendship and liking towards him or other friends. Ask your son's friend to think about something that is hard for him, and then compare that to yo
ur son's inability to get the words out easily in school. With regard to other children in the class; talk with your child's
teacher about this same concept.
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Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum's second edition guide book, "Easing School Jitters for the Selectively Mute Child" is an updated version of the first edition. It is a down-to-earth informational book that will provide advice in an entertaining manner. Every colorful page is filled with facts, helpful ideas, reasons that Selectively Mute Children feel the way they do, and an interactive section where parents can work with children to help them list, draw and write about the things that make them feel good about themselves and see the positive aspects of school. The final chapter of the book is an Ask the Doc- Frequently Asked Question which focuses on common school-related dilemmas that the child with SM may experience and offers an easy-to-understand approach for handling various situations and issues. The book is a must for parents, teachers and treating professionals trying to help the child with SM conquer his/her fears, worries and communication difficulties within the school environment.
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JOIN US!!
Selective Mutism
'In the School' Conference
The conference will review the features of SM and related social communication problems, and how they can impact children in the school setting. The importance of the initial evaluation and assessment process will be discussed, since it is critical in developing an effective treatment plan for a child with SM. Next, the identification and impact of comorbid conditions will be reviewed.
The sessions will cover interventions and strategies that can be implemented in the school setting, including through Individualized Education (IEP) and 504 Plans.
The conference will conclude with video case presentations and discussions from all presenters.
Two Great Dates and Locations:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2016; Newark, NJ
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YOU ARE INVITED! - SELECTIVE MUTISM CENTERS
E-learning WEBINARS
SCHEDULED LIVE WEBINARS:
BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNING FOR THE CHILD WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6
2:30 PM EST
Hosted By:
JENNIFER BRITTINGHAM
DESCRIPTION:
Back to school can be a stressful time for you and your child. Send in your questions and concerns. Jennifer will be focusing on our families/teachers concerns. Don't miss out on these exciting Webinars!
"Ask The EXPERT"
This Months Topic will be Focused on Back To School.
Viewers will be able to submit their questions to our Expert Clinician!
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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
9:00 AM EST
Hosted By:
JENNIFER BRITTINGHAM
DESCRIPTION:
Back to school can be a stressful time for you and your child. Send in your questions and concerns. Jennifer will be focusing on our families/teachers concerns. Don't miss out on these exciting Webinars!
"Ask The EXPERT"
This Months Topic will be Focused on Back To School.
Viewers will be able to submit their questions to our Expert Clinician!
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