This month, SMIRA, the Selective Mutism Information and Research Association, is launching the ‘Make a Noise’ campaign to help children find their voices. Selective mutism (‘SM’) is an anxiety-based mental health disorder, usually commencing in early childhood, preventing an individual’s ability to speak out in a certain situations. SM is not a choice.
The month of October is dedicated to raising awareness of Selective Mutism with a number of events throughout the country.
Selective Mutism affects at least 1 in every 150 children, and is three times as common in bilingual children, however is relatively unheard of. Those affected are able to speak freely in familiar circumstances such as with family in the home, but will remain consistently silent in others, perhaps exhibiting a blank expression or appearing ‘frozen’ when expected to speak. SM usually begins in children under five years of age, though it may only become noticeable when the child begins to interact outside the family circle, such as within the school setting. This condition prevents children from interacting and learning normally at school – which can be debilitating and detrimental to their lives and to their family. With early intervention, recovery is effective, but in some instances it may persist and last as long as adulthood.
The UK registered charity SMIRA, founded in 1992, is dedicated to give those with SM, their parents and professionals an opportunity to feel less isolated and to discuss their experiences and obtain guidance and help. SMIRA’s aim is to raise awareness of SM generally but also to raise funds to provide much needed training opportunities, particularly for health and education professionals. Plus of course anyone who may be involved in the care and welfare of selectively mute children.
