Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism Association

Selective Mutism:

Top 10 Tips for Teachers

Selective Mutism is an anxiety-based disorder occurring in childhood. It often starts in the preschool years but causes greater difficulty once the child starts school.

*GOAL: Reduce the communicative anxiety!

1. All attempts to encourage oral communication should be minimized. Instead, allow the student to communicate via non-verbal means

(body language, pointing, gestures, writing, whispering)

1. Allow the student to make choices by providing answers to open-ended questions, so that oral communication is minimized. Yes/no questions are generally the easiest for children with Selective Mutism to answer.

1. To assess reading fluency, have the student read along with one or more students. Kids with Selective Mutism will usually respond favorably to the “choral effect” and be more willing to communicate with others.

1. Other students in the classroom may be curious as to why the child isn’t talking. A simple explanation might be: “Brooke does talk and will when she is ready.”

1. During centers, pair the student with her/his best friend. Try to avoid an overpowering personality type.

1. Consider using some sign language to augment verbal communication.

1. Be patient! Your student desperately wants to talk and is unable to do so. Please remember that he/she is not being uncooperative by choice.