Selective mutism

Hi @AmuJane88

When working as an outreach specialist teacher for autism, I came across a primary age pupil who had selective mutism.  English was not her first language and she would not talk in school, but is was evident that she understood English well and used gestures to make herself understood and point our answers in books.  During the school day she would have major panic attacks which resulted in screaming and acting out for long periods over things such as her hair clip being in the wrong position or her zip on her coat not being in the correct place. She also used a communication system of pictures to ask for things. 

On a visit to the school I observed her with her mum who would come in to the school to be with her for a short time before taking her home.
The change in this child was amazing as soon as her mum turned up.  She became a chatterbox, laughing, talking, involving a friend in her game with her mum and to look at her you wouldn't think there were any issues at all.

This pupil was then referred to Speech and Language services so I do not know what processes were put in place but I really hope that they were able to help her and her family, as she had so much potential that was being missed due to the behaviour that she was demonstrating within the classroom.

If you would like more information on this subject, look at the SMiRA website - http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/