How to learn about Selective Mutism. If your child is beyond shy read this.

If you are an elementary teacher please take the time to look at this article. It could make a big difference in the life of a child.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Observance
• Caring

1. Please take the time to get familiar with Selective mutism. It is a disorder a lot of people don't know about, and teachers are around so many children, they are ideal for watching for it. I will include some links to sites at the end of this article.
2. Study the kids closely, taking special care to notice the shy children who may fall under your radar simply because they don't cause any trouble.
3. If you have a child who is very withdrawn and never speaks to you or any of the other children and it has been more than a month since this child came to your classroom, PLEASE contact the parent and set up a meeting.
4. At the meeting let the parent know about their child not talking and have some material printed with information about Selective Mutism, and some websites for them to check out. Children with Selective Mutism usually speak with family members and they may not be aware of the problem. Encourage them to seek help!

Tips & Warnings

• Don't try to force a child with this condition to speak. It is believed to be an anxiety disorder, and it's not that they don't want to speak, they just can't.
• Don't just assume this is the result of child abuse, this is probably not the case.