An eye-opening and enlightening collection of stories from people living with Selective Mutism (SM), this book provides a much-need platform for people with SM to share experiences of the condition in their own words.Exploring all aspects of SM, from symptoms and diagnostic criteria, to triggers and the consequences of being physically unable to speak, the stories in this book dispel the myths around this often misunderstood condition. Far from refusing to talk, or choosing not to, the contributors offer genuine insights into why they simply cannot speak in certain situations or in front of certain people. Children, teens and adults from the UK and US share experiences of feeling isolated, struggling at school, and finding ways to communicate. Letting people with SM know that they are not alone with the condition, the book will also help family, friends and professionals to understand what it is like to live with SM.
Acknowledgements. Foreword by Donna Williams. Preface. 1. An experiential introduction to Selective Mutism.2. Selective Mutism - what it is in our own words. 3. Early life and Selective Mutism. 4. Early school experience and Selective Mutism. 5. High school experience and Selective Mutism. 6. Parents' experiences of high school and home-schooling. 7. Becoming an adult with Selective Mutism. 8. Bullying and Selective Mutism. 9. Mutism, family relationships, and the home environment. 10. Those who spoke for me. 11. Selective Mutism and Asperger Syndrome. 12. Selective Mutism and Learning Difficulties. 13. Parents' experiences of Selective Mutism. 14. Therapists' experiences of Selective Mutism. 15. A teacher's experience of helping a child with Selective Mutism to find her voice. 16. How different life would have been without Selective Mutism. 17. Life Stories. Appendix A: Helping a new partner join a family where there is a child with Selective Mutism. Appendix B: Bullying and Selective Mutism. Appendix C: The reasons why I dislike school. References. Index.
Selective Mutism in our own words in an excellent compilation of short extracts written by people living with the disorder. Carl Sutton's own personal experience creates a sensitive and enlightening undertone throughout the book, and the amalgamation of perspectives both from the individuals and their family members provides a holistic insight into the triggers, symptoms and consequences of having this communication anxiety disorder.
