Japanese books about selective mutism

Here are famous Japanese books about selective mutism.

Keiko, K. (Eds.). Kanmokunet (2008). Bamen Kanmoku Q&A --Youchien ya gakkou de oshaberi dekinai kodomo tachi (What is selective mutism? --How to help children who can't talk in school). Gakuensha: Tokyo.

At present this is the newest book about selective mutism written by Japanese. Kanmokunet, the author, is a non-profit organization for children with selective mutism. This book seems to be written for parents rather than professionals. This book comprises of three chapters. Understanding selective mutism, dealing with selectively mute children, and practice of overcoming selective mutism. A lot of columns by parents and former or current sufferes are inserted in the book.

McHolm, E.A., Cunningham, E.C., and Vanier, K.M. (2007). Bamen Kanmokuji he no Shien -- Gakkou de Hanasenai Ko wo Tasukeru tameni (Eiko, K and Keiko, Y, Trans.). Taken Publishing: Tokyo. (Original work published 2005)

This is a Japanese translation of Helping your child with selective mutism.

Yoshifumi, K., & Eiko, K. (1994). Bamen Kanmokuji no Shinri to Shido -- Tannin to Fubo no Kyoryoku no tameni. Taken Publishing: Tokyo.

This was a standard book of reference on selective mutism in Japan until Bamen Kanmokuji he no Shien was published in 2007. And this book is the first Japanese book available to many people on the theme of selective mutism. This book seems to be written for various kinds of people, especially teachers. This book comprises of four chapters. Characteristic of mutism, cause of mutism, diagnosis of mutism, and guidance on dealing with children with selectively mute children. The title of the book can be translated into English as The psychology and guidance about children with selective mutism.

Socially withdrawn children

I recently made a Japanese blog about socially withdrawn children.

http://swjournal77.blogspot.com/

Social withdrawal is "the consistent (across situations and over time) display of all forms of solitary behavior when encountering familiar and/or unfamiliar peers.(Rubin, Burgess, & Coplan, 2002)"

According to earlier studies, some children withdraw from peer interaction because they are shy even though they would like to engage in social interaction.

I guess many selectively mute children also have social withdrawal. They are too anxious to interact with others. In fact, I have seen many former or current selective mutism sufferers who didn't or don't have friends. And I was not an exception. But I have also seen many former or current sufferers who made friends. Even if they are shy, they don't necessarily avoid interacting with peers. I want to know precisely peer interaction of selectively mute children.

[Reference]

Rubin, K. H., Burgess, K. B., & Coplan, R. (2002). Social inhibition and withdrawal in childhood. In P.K. Smith & C. Hart (Eds), Handbook of Childhood Social Development. London: Blackwell.

New class

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Chapter 5 Selective mutism and my high school years

New class

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[I moved up to SPC]

At the end of the school year, my homeroom teacher told me that I would move up to Special Preparatory Course next school year.

As I wrote earlier, my high school consisted of three courses. Career Course, Preparatory Course and Special Preparatory Course.

Before I entered the high school, I wanted to study in SPC. But my wish was not granted.

But after I enrolled in the school, I studied hard in PC and got good grades on my exams many times. I guess that teachers appreciated me.

[New homeroom teacher]

I was acquainted with two teachers in SPC. One was Ms. O, a young English-language teacher. She was famous as a beautiful teacher. The other was Ms. H, a senior Japanese-language teacher. She had a stern look on her face. Honestly, I liked Ms. O rather than Ms. H. I wanted Ms. O to become my next homeroom teacher.

At the first of the school year, teachers announced new class composition. I was shocked. My homeroom teacher was Ms. H!

While I was afraid of her, I thought I could concentrate on my study to enter college.

[New Classmates]

I hardly saw any familiar faces in the new class. But I found M. M was my former female classmate. When she and I were in the sixth grade, there was a rumor that she loved me. When I entered the classroom, I was surprised. My desk was next to M.

My desk was in the corner of the classroom. The next seat to mine was M. The front seat was S, a male student I first became acquainted with.

S sometimes spoke to me. I managed to whisper to him. As it was the start of the school year, I had drive to speak and change myself. And the episode shows that I began to overcome selective mutism.

(To be continued)

Index of SM story