If your friend or your them have difficulty communicating in public situations but have no trouble speaking at home, selective mutism may be present. While an SM diagnosis needs to come from a trained professional, we’re here to help provide you with the support and resources you need.
Brave talking is a strategy used with individuals with selective mutism that allows them to practice speaking in a comfortable and safe environment with positive reinforcement. What do you say when you order at a restaurant? How do you ask for directions to the bathroom? Avoid yes-or-no questions and allow them at least five seconds to answer. By roleplaying these interactions, the them can build their communication muscles before they speak up in the real world.
On the way to an event, let them know they don’t have to speak right away. After an appropriate amount of warm-up time, ask a simple forced-choice question that allows them to speak up. These questions allow them to choose between two options rather than come up with a new response and provide a low-stakes opportunity for interaction.
Sometimes, a set of boundaries can go a long way. Large groups can be scary. Don’t pressure them to speak up in more crowded situations where their selective mutism anxieties may be worse. Instead, initiate small-group gatherings to allow them to explore their comfort zone. Set up one-on-one introductions for them to make it slightlier easier for them to step out of their comfort zone.
