Selective Mutism (SM) is a disorder in which the individual with SM will want to speak but finds themselves physically unable to do so in certain situations, due to anxiety. It usually commences in childhood but can persist into adulthood. In this blog, Lynsey shares her experiences of living with selective mutism and the most common assumptions she has encountered from those who do not understand or have not encountered selective mutism before:
Living with Selective Mutism (SM) can be a constant fight. As if the internal struggle to speak is not enough, as a hidden disability, people with SM often suffer the indignity of having to fight constantly to get their needs met. Family and friends may not understand, authorities and health care providers almost certainly won’t. There is a lack of education and understanding about SM. Most people assume SM to be mainly children, but SM occurs in adults too- mainly when the SM has not been diagnosed in childhood, or appropriate support has not been available. SM affects each person differently and is a complex condition. However, this should not be an excuse for people to dismiss their difficulties or discriminate against them. Every single day someone with SM is desperately, silently fighting to be understood and heard, and every day we face assumptions from those who do not understand. This is a list of some of the most common assumptions:
- That I cannot hear because I cannot speak
- That I’m thick
- That I’m ignorant
- That I choose not to speak
- That I don’t want to speak
- That I don’t care or don’t have feelings
- That I do not want to change things
- That I’m rude
- That I don’t like some people if I speak to some not others
- That I’m not in need of or ready for help because I cannot speak
For more information about selective mutism, please visit: https://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/