Right From the Mouths of our Silent Babes

By Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum

Children/teens with Selective Mutism are consistently asked why they do not speak.

Individuals often believe that if they continuously ask these children to speak or question them over and over that they will automatically begin speaking. The assumption here is that these children CAN speak, re perhaps being stubborn and if continuously questioned and told what to do, these children will eventually speak. Unfortunately, the individuals who believe this tactic will work are hugely mistaken and are only propagating mutism and inner anxiety.

Children with Selective Mutism do not automatically begin speaking when prompted. If they do eventually utter a sound or whisper from coercion the anxiety that is created is often so tremendous that more internal anxiety is created which in turn, propagates mutism.

Has anyone ever wondered how a child/teen with Selective Mutism truly feels when he/she is in school or other social situations where mutism is evident?

Having asked hundreds of children with Selective Mutism how they feel when uncomfortable has elicited interesting responses.

Out of 100 children with SM, below is the term used by children/teens that indicate how they feel when in school or other settings where mutism is evident.

SCARED - 50% of the time,
DON’T KNOW - 25% of the time
'IT'S Hard or Difficult' - 15% of the time
DON’T WANT TO -10% of the time

Varied answers come up 5% of the time

The responses of these children from all over the world should indicate that these children are fearful when confronted with social situations.

Being scared and nervous (75%) of the responses elicited are typical feelings of anxiety that come over these children. IF these children are anxious, then how would frequent questioning, asking and insisting that these children speak help SM children? It won’t.

It should be obvious that treating these children from an anxiety perspective using various behavioral techniques would be the best way to help a child suffering from SM.

IF this is all true, then why are so many children still suffering in silence????

ANSWER: Not enough Parents, teachers and treating professionals truly understand Selective Mutism.

The SMART-CENTER and the Selective Mutism Group Childhood Anxiety Network (SMG~CAN) are trying to educate and promote the public awareness of Selective Mutism in order to RID THE SILENCE of Selective Mutism. Please help us disseminate information to educate teachers and treating professionals in order to help SM children overcome their anxiety.