I try to write how to overcome selective mutism by myself. But I recommend not trusting in what I write, because I am not a professional. In addition, I don't know whether this method is really effective.
[Principle]
I apply to the principle of behavior therapy. First, setting stepwise goals. Second, uttering words gradually.
[Concrete examples]
I'll explain my idea more concretely. Let's take school life for example.
* I spent my school years in Japan. So, I write an example based on my experience in Japanese schools. I'm sorry if what I write can't apply to schools in your country.*
As a first step, for instance, greet teachers and classmates. When I went to Japanese schools, schoolchildren and students had to greet teachers. If your school require you to do so, it might be a good opportunity. Even if your school don't, I think it's a way to take a first step to overcome fear of speaking. Of course, it's not easy for mute children to greet people. So, at first, whisper to teachers and classmates good morning or good bye. Repeating the process increase the chance of greeting teachers and classmates in a loud voice.
As a second step, for instance, utter words loudly as possible as you can in class when you are called on by teachers. Some Japanese former sufferers say they could manage to read textbooks in class when they were called on by their teachers and asked to read textbooks. I guess such experiences helped them to lower their anxiety of speaking.
As a third step, for instance, try to talk with familiar classmates. If you can do that, try to talk with unfamiliar people gradually.
I refer to a study on selective mutism (Uchiyama, 1959) to describe this method. Although it's an old study, the treatment principle has in common with Helping your child with selective mutism (2005).
[Points to Keep in Mind]
1 Try step by step
It's very difficult for children with selective mutism to chat with others. Chatting requires children to talk what they want to say in order. That's a very tall order for them. When I had selective mutism, I tried to do so but failed. So, I felt frustrated. But it's no wonder you fail if you try difficult thing at first.
But it's easier to use short formulaic expressions, such as good morning. Try the easiest thing first. Then, try more difficult things. The point is to try step by step.
2 Don't aim at perfection
Don't aim at perfection. Many children with selective mutism seem to be perfectionists.
3 Don't try too hard
Last, but not least, don't try too hard. Some Japanese SM current and former sufferers say they tried hard to overcome selective mutism, but that caused their conditions to worsen.
[limitation]
The first limitation of this method is difficulty in setting up suitable situations for speaking step by step by myself.
Another limitation is that it's time consuming.
[References]
Uchiyama, K. (1959). Studies on the childhood mutism 2 -therapeutic procedures- The Kitakanto Medical Journal, 9, 786-799.
