APPENDIX C
My oldest son, J., is turning six this month. He is in kindergarten and has been diagnosed with Selective Mutism that is brought on by social anxiety. Our case may be a little different than others.
There were some drastic declines in socialization at first. When we would have a socially distant visit with anyone he would hide and be filled with anxiety, fearing having to talk to anyone. It was as if we started from square one before he attended Kindergarten. During the year he started to open up around people quicker, however, he never spoke to his teacher or peers at school the entire year. He only would speak with his teacher aide.
Zoom calls still create a lot of tension for J. We usually keep the camera and microphone off and he just listens. I sometimes have his brother sit in and answer for him. (His brother is only 3 but quite outgoing).
We have kept to a schedule so he understands school is a requirement. We have found it difficult though to keep his attention when he has no other peers doing what he’s doing. He tells me I’m “boring.” (Ha. Ha)
With the rules opening up, we have started to implement more play dates which has drastically improved his social skills again.
All in all, we have found this little break from constant stress of not talking at school to be a good one. His confidence has sky rocketed being at home and he even spoke a few words to his teacher on school grounds when we picked up some schoolwork! We look forward to sending him back in September (if the rules aren’t so strict for kids) and hope he will speak confidently!
