A SPECIAL EDUCATION EXPERT OFFERS 10 TIPS FOR PARENTING AUTISTIC CHILDREN WHO ALSO HAVE SELECTIVE MUTISM.

By Dr. Ronald I. MALCOLM, EdD

Some children with autism can also present with select mutism. This term may cause confusion for some parents. If your child with autism has selective mutism, there are some tips you can use to assist them with attempting to communicate effectively. Here are 10 tips for assisting your child with autism and their select mutism.

1. Educate yourself

Some children with autism may be nonverbal—or nonspeaking for those who prefer this term. This, however, does not mean “selective mutism.”

Children with autism who have selective mutism can speak. They may just not speak in certain situations or with certain individuals. Despite this inability to speak in such situations, you as the parent may recognize that in comfortable situations your child may communicate freely.

2. Get a proper medical diagnosis

It will be important for you to obtain a proper medical diagnosis for your child. Many children with select mutism have difficulty dealing with anxiety or stress related to particular situations or environments. Such anxiety and stress can enhance their select mutism. Your child may need to see a pediatrician, a speech-language therapist, and possibly a child psychiatrist as well as a psychologist.