Selective mutism

[boygirlgirlboy]

Two of my own son's are Selectively Mute!
Before my oldest entered the school system, we never knew there was anything "wrong". He was always a normal talkative little guy. I was always a stay at home mom (started doing daycare when he started SK) so besides family, he didn't have a lot of interaction with other people. As soon as he started school and we found out he wasn't talking, I was on the computer non-stop trying to figure out what it could be. I came across Selective Mutism and was astounded. This described my son to a "T"!! I took all of my research to the principal and surely enough that was the conclusion we came to. Finally in Grade 1 he started talking to a few other children in his class, but would not with his teachers or any adults for that matter. With the help of the schools Speech Pathologist it was finally decided that it was time for my son to be seen by a psychiatrist, he was in Grade 2. After several months, the word Prozac came up. Not knowing what to do I sat down with our Pediatrician, went over the pros and cons and ultimately decided to go that route. Within 6 months my son started talking, joined the choir and hasn't "shut up" since...LOL. He's now in Grade 9, on the student council and has decided he wants to get into law. Not bragging here but he's incredibly smart and maintains a 95% average. Now my youngest son is 6 and is following in his brother's footsteps EXACTLY! We've already decided to forgo the psychiatrist and put him straight on the Prozac. I'm a little more at ease with him because I've already been there done that. With my oldest, I used to cry everyday I dropped him at school knowing he was not going to speak. It killed me!!
Selective Mustism is an anxiety disorder that can't be helped. In no way would I make this little girl try to speak, it could very well put her into a situation where she may become terrified to come to your home. If you're able to work with her and build a trust so she can gesture her needs to you that would be an important first step. This family could possibly have a long road ahead of them if this is their diagnosis.
I have four children, 2 boys and 2 girls and how lucky of me to have both boys face this.
I have to run now, but let me know if you have any questions. I'd love to help you out!!