1. Contact your child’s school
- Educate the school and make sure they understand Selective Mutism. Since the majority of school personnel do not understand SM, you will need to be your child’s best advocate.
- Be sure to be involved in the choice of teachers for your child and let the school know that your child needs a nurturing, gentle, calm, understanding teacher that is willing to go the “extra-step” for your child.
- Speak to relevant school personnel about necessary accommodations that need to be in place for your child. Preparing as soon as possible will allow time for you to discuss and organize a well-thought-out educational plan and to determine if your child needs an IEP or 504 plan.
2. Determine details about your child’s teacher, class, and room location
- These details include the name of your child’s teacher, some of the children in their classroom, and the location of their classroom in the school. Many schools are reluctant to give out this information, but meeting with relevant school personnel and explaining the importance of knowing these details will certainly help more than if you did not approach the topic at all.
3. Meet the teacher as soon as possible
- Plan a time for your child to meet the teacher prior to school beginning. If possible, meet outside of the school environment to help lower your child’s anxiety.
4. Discuss what a typical school day will look like with your child
- Have a talk with your child about what their day will look like in school. You can even begin to get up earlier and practice your new routine to make the transition into school easier!
5. Work on difficulties with eating and toileting in school during the summer
- Many individuals with SM have difficulties with eating or using the bathroom in school. For younger children, work on this by spending time “going to the bathroom” and praising their efforts. If they need you in the bathroom at first, that is okay, but slowly wean yourself away.
- For eating challenges, practice eating IN the school during summer. Bring snacks and eat in the classroom or cafeteria. You can even bring a sibling or friend to increase comfort.
