Late Developer ?

As I wrote, the main purpose of this blog is to share my memories of selective mutism in English. So, I'll share them from now on.

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Chapter 1 Before I Became Selectively Mute (1)

Late Developer ?

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[Speech Delay]

"Is my son mentally retarded?"

My mother ran into trouble when I was an infant. I had not uttered a word until I was 3 years old.

I'm not sure whether my speech delay was related to my selective mutism, though, I suppose I was a late developer.

[A Few Friends]

When I was a baby, my family moved to Kansai region, western Japan, because my father was transferred there. After we lived in an apartment in Kansai for a few years, my parents rented a house in the same town. We lived there.

There were about 10 houses nearby my one and some young married couples and children lived there. Among them I made friends with two children, one girl (I-chan) and one boy (T-kun.) We often played together.

[Apartment Complex behind my House]

There was an apartment complex behind my house. Many children lived there, but I couldn't get along with them. I played with a few friends, such as I-chan and T-kun until I entered kindergarten.

(to be continued)

Selective Mutism in Japan

[US]

Selective Mutism Group Inc
Selective Mutism Foundation

[UK]

Selective Mutism Information and Research Association

[Germany]

Mutismus Selbsthilfe Deutschland e. V.

[Japan]

:(

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There are no self-help groups of selective mutism in Japan.

What is worse is that few Japanese teachers, therapists and physicians are familiar with this complex disorder.

I suppose that is because there are no Japanese researchers specializing in selective mutism. The only Japanese book on selective mutism written by professional is Bamen Kanmokuzi No Shinri To Shido (Psychology and Guidance of Children with Selective Mutism,) published in 1994. Most Japanese, except for a handful of people who can read English, rely on findings that are over a decade ago. Myth persists. For example, "Selective mutism is caused by abuse, neglect or trauma."

Index of SM in Japan

About Me

I'm a Japanese man who may have suffered from selective mutism about 10 years. When I couldn't speak at school, I didn't see any specialists. So, to my regret, I can't fully evaluate whether I was a selective mute child or not.

The first time I became mute was when I was 9 years old. My words didn't come out when I changed my school. It may be odd, because it is known that selective mutism mostly manifest itself when children enter kindergarten or school. But according to a study, selective mutism develop even after puberty in rare cases.

When I graduated from college, I was still too shy. I couldn't get a job.

Right now I spend my time managing my blog The Selective Mutism Journal written in Japanese aimed at introducing the latest findings about Selective Mutism from US, Canada or UK into Japan. In addition, I learn how to earn income every day. Of course, I study English every day. :)

Preface

Selective mutism is a psychological symptom characterized by a persistent inability to speak in selected situations. Selective mutism is regarded as childhood anxiety disorder, but it can have lasting effects.

The main purpose of this blog is to share my memories of selective mutism in English.

In Japan some adult people who once suffered from selective mutism share their experiences online. I am no exception. I write my story at The Selective Mutism Journal and that gets good response. But it's Japanese only. So, I start this blog to share my memories with the world.