Selective mutism- speech therapist help?

#BestBubby

Thu, Dec 16 2021, 8:18 pm

Hi.

As a SEIT I helped 2 children who were selectively mute start talking.

They were around 3 1/2.

I would take one child out of the classroom and play with him in a small room

playdo, lego, coloring, painting

I did not pressure child to talk. Whatever he played, I copied him and did the same.

If he chose to color, I would say "I am also going to color like you."

I would make comments, "you colored your car blue. I am coloring my car red."

I did not ASK ANY QUESTIONS - zero pressure to talk.

Sometimes I would read books.

After a few weeks (played with him an hour a day), the child started speaking to me.

I DID NOT MAKE A FUSS - Oh, your talking - here is a prize.

I MADE ZERO REACTION.

I didn't even tell the parent for a week, because I was afraid they would make a big deal
and child would stop talking.
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The other child was not even my client. I noticed another child in the classroom was
selectively mute - but she seemed happy, and followed all activities. But would not talk
to any teacher or child - just played by herself.

I made a point to to give some attention to this child.

"Oh Suri, I like how your picture is so colorful."

"Suri, I see you got new shoes - they are so cute!"

I had certain activities I did with my client, but after, I would let other kids in the class
do that activity. I saw Suri was too shy to ask for a turn, but I would say, "Suri is next."

And Suri would do the activity with me (still no talking).

Around Purim time, I heard Suri speak for the first time "I am next"

I made no reaction but I was thrilled.

Soon after, I saw Suri playing together with other girls.

Some kids just need time to warm up and feel safe.

amother

NeonOrange

Thu, Dec 16 2021, 8:40 pm

SLP here. Currently dealing with a 5year old selectively mute child. B”h seeing actual results!
Main point is: take “baby steps” and be patient! In the beginning this boy refused to even come out with me... now (2months later) he is actually sitting by my desk next to me and making jokes !

amother

Thu, Dec 16 2021, 9:09 pm

amother [ NeonOrange ] wrote:

fellow slp here
just had him added to caseload
hes in third grade
speaking to rebbe nxt week to see how he is in class

I hope he feels comfortable one day iyh. for now im just going to build rapport, and play games with him, talk about my day... I spoke about my baby and he smiled and he did give me a one word answer when I asked him soemthing about his baby...

amother

Marigold

Thu, Dec 16 2021, 9:23 pm

You don't have to make any linguistic demands of him. Just play. Make him feel comfortable. If you ever do ask a question. You can lower your volume. Match his mood/tone. If he whispers its fine. Once u have a relationship you can move through different situations that cause more anxiety or less anxiety, starting with one's that cause less.

amother

NeonOrange

Fri, Dec 17 2021, 12:13 am

amother [ OP ] wrote:

That’s a good start!
What I found very helpful was monologue while we played. I literally spoke to myself and kept saying funny stuff and compliments about him. After a few times I started saying lots of stuff that didn’t make sense and he couldn’t resist and had to correct me and add his two cents. I found it a very helpful and good technique...