Staff have an awareness of selective mutism and understand it is an anxiety-based need. Key staff have access to information about how to support children with selective mutism for example from the SMiRA website.
Check the Dos and Don’ts Guide to providing an anxiety-free environment and Pre-School and Nursery Guidelines developed by Selectivemutism.org.uk.
Provide a communication safe environment:
- Identify key adult for the child to build rapport and confidence Focus on discovering their interests and strengths and having fun together.
- Be patient. Provide opportunities to speak without putting pressure on the child to speak and do not ‘over’ react if the child does.
- Make comments rather than ask.
- Provide non-verbal ways to respond and join in during group activities (e.g. using music instruments or actions alongside words).
- Encourage participation through ‘show’ rather than ‘tell’.
- Use of question starters such as ‘I wonder….’
- Encourage joint activities with a quiet.
- Provide traffic lights or ‘ask for help’ cards to allow support to be requested non-verbally.
Use informal ways to support the child’s confidence to speak.