5 Common Misconceptions of Selective Mutism
Have you noticed one of your pupils just won’t participate in a whole class discussion or even freezes up when they’re asked a question?
This pupil is likely not being truant or stubborn, but could rather be overwhelmed with anxiety known as Selective Mutism.
But what is Selective Mutism – and are they really just bad students?
Let’s take a look at the bigger picture.
What is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism is anxiety tied in within a Speech, Language and Communication Need (SLCN).
This SLCN depends on where the child is, who the child is with, and even the communication task at hand.
Selective Mutism goes beyond just verbal communication. Those affected by SM often also freeze when it comes to non-verbal forms of communication, like eye contact, gestures and facial expressions.
Selective Mutism might present itself in different ways, known as high-profile or low-profile.
High-Profile Selective Mutism
This is the profile you might commonly associate with Selective Mutism. This is where a child or young person has consistent patterns in who, where and what they speak.
Low-Profile Selective Mutism
This profile might go more unrecognised, as the child may be perceived as ‘shy’ rather than selectively mute. The child or young person might respond minimally, with ‘yes’, ‘no’, or non-verbal communication forms. However, they will not initiate conversation or engage in cooperative language.
What are the signs of Selective Mutism?
It affects around 1 in 140 children and, as explained by low-profile vs high-profile, comes in different shapes and sizes. It’s not always so clear-cut! However, there are some signs you can look out for.
These might include:
- More common in girls
- Lack of both verbal and non-verbal communication
- Frozen expressions or being expressionless
- Hypervigilance or perfectionism
- Nervous in social settings
You might also note the child has physical side effects, such as tummy aches, headaches, nausea or shortness of breath as a result of the anxiety.
What causes Selective Mutism?
There are no direct causes of SM! Children or young people who have experienced adverse life events or have a family history of Selective Mutism may be more susceptible to it. However, as it is an outcome of social anxiety, it can affect anyone in the same way social anxieties can!
The top 5 common misconceptions of Selective Mutism
Selective Mutism can, unfortunately, build a child or young person a negative reputation. So, what are children with SM often labelled as?
1. Children with Selective Mutism are just stubborn
This is absolutely not the case! The child or young person wants to speak, they’re just unable to in the current setting, company or task. The lack of communication is not an act of defiance. Try remembering this is due to anxiety!
2. Children with Selective Mutism don’t know how to speak
Children with Selective Mutism know how to speak – and often have a good grasp of language! There is no need to simplify your language use for them. Outside of the situations that cause them anxiety, they can speak. Likewise, they will still have been learning and developing language – so their understanding will always be fine!
3. Selective Mutism is just not being able to talk
Selective Mutism goes outside of just the words we use. Those with SM might also struggle with non-verbal types of communication. These types might include eye contact, gestures and expressions. This is why some might see them as ‘expressionless’.
As mentioned in low-profile SM, some might even be able to respond minimally! This means this person with SM can talk. However, it’s important to remember they may be talking, but not communicating. Being able to properly communicate wants and needs is essential for every child.
4. The child is just shy
Children with Selective Mutism don’t just need to warm up to start talking! The child is experiencing a phobia-like feeling, which is causing them to not speak. The child or young person might even be confident and loud when they are not in a circumstance causing anxiety.
5. The child is choosing when not to speak
The ‘selective’ in Selective Mutism can be very misleading! It does not mean the child is selecting which situations or people they don’t want to speak in. It means that there are specific or situational circumstances that the child or young person struggles to communicate in!
How can you offer support as a caretaker?
So, now you know the signs to look out for and busted some myths about Selective Mutism. What can you do to support the affected child or young person?
Don’t pressure the child to talk
Adding pressure on the child will only intensify their anxiety! Things like putting the child on the spot or asking them questions might help other SLCN, but can be damaging to individuals with Selective Mutism. Instead of questions, try offering a running commentary which allows the child to jump in when they feel more confident.
Boost confidence using positive reinforcement for other skills
If a child is struggling with communication in the classroom, try boosting their confidence in school for other things! Try to leave comments in their books for ‘great maths work’ or ‘great writing’. If they know they are still doing well in school it will help instil confidence.
Be positive about the child’s concerns
If the child or young person is expressing anxiety or struggling with communication, be positive! Let them know you know things can be hard for them right now, but it won’t always be like this.
Don’t answer on behalf of the child
Answering on behalf of the child can give the impression their voice is not valued. Instead, try waiting 5 seconds, rephrasing the question, and wait again. Most importantly, if the child does not answer, just move on with the conversation. This shows them the question was for them, but sometimes talking is hard and that’s okay!
Improve other adults’ understanding
If another adult mentions that the child isn’t speaking, let them know! Saying something like “they’re actually a very good speaker, they just find it a bit difficult right here right now”. This will improve the other person’s understanding of Selective Mutism.
Likewise, encourage them to not have this conversation in front of the child. If the child is within earshot, this might increase their anxiety and unravel some of their progress.
How can Chatterbug help?
If you’re looking for ways to boost your and other staff’s skillsets, Chatterbug is here to help. We offer a Selective Mutism Overview training, that improves your understanding, helps you find other resources and gives you support systems to use within your school.
This training is essential to create equal opportunities in your classroom.
You can secure your place on the course here.
Early intervention is also key in supporting these individuals’ speech, language and communication development. Chatterbug has a variety of services to assess, support and intervene with these individuals.
You can also check out social media for all our best top tips and other information about SLCN.
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