|
I read with interest the May 11 letter by Bobbie Ingersoll in The ASHA Leader regarding selective mutism [Ed. See "A Person, Not a Disorder" and "Selective Mutism"]. I am an SLP with a private practice in this area.
Selective mutism is not just a diverse way of viewing human expression. It is a rare, strange and extremely handicapping condition for children who have not established speaking at school or in other major environments. There are four main causes: an anxiety disorder; inner security/self esteem/second language issues; a speech, language, or hearing problem; or trauma. Overwhelmingly, these are intelligent children with reflective temperaments who are not comfortable enough to interact with others due to an underlying problem.
Ms. Ingersoll stated that she received a variety of insulting tests due to this problem. I believe this is probably because the school was concerned and wanted to find out exactly what the problem was. This continues to be the case, as only about one child per thousand has not established speaking after one year of school. Uncommon disorders are often poorly understood and managed.
It is very difficult for a child with selective mutism to be successful in the mainstream of an American school, because such a high priority is placed on communication.
I have worked with over 250 children with selective mutism and their families. In all this time, I have never "destroyed the person on the inside." Rather, I have sought to understand the child's world and foster a path toward increased social and communication competence.
Janell Norman
River Falls, WI
janell.norman@spps.org
|