http://www.selectivemutism.org/

Best of wishes for you and your daughter. When my first child went to kindergarten I think it was as hard for me as it was for him!

Don’t despair. It took us 15 months before this child spoke to a classmate and another 3 months before she spoke to me. It was one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had working with kids. She moved onto main school a year ago. The school (which we have very strong links with)brought me in for a few days to help ease the transition for her with new staff. She now chats away to her teachers and friends. She is still quiet with new people but with lots of love and understanding she can overcome it.

A lot of people have never heard of the condition so you may need to research it a lot on your own. It’s nothing to do with parenting so be assured it’s not your fault. You may just have a very special little girl and she will shine when she’s ready. Very best wishes.

What suchj children lack in aggressiveness or “normal” talking behaviour, they make up for it in showing remarkable learning speed, being loving & caring and showing a great ability to concentrate on their work.

I would say, visit the doctor for your own peace of mind and do not overly worry if she does not show rapid change. You will realise she has many strengths very soon. After all, as one child psychologist put it to us : “If he is not talking, he may well have a reason to do us or he may not have much to talk about because people around him must be talking too much”.

We had agonised on the “problem” for over a year, but, now realise that there is not much to worry about.

Regards

Honor her, and her choices. She’ll talk when she needs to.

As long as your child is learning and the teacher can find alternate ways to assess the learning, there should be no lasting problems (one of my former students still won’t talk to the teachers, but is quite bright, learning and earning awards in her 4th grade classes).

Hopefully the teacher is aware of selective mutism and will find alternate ways of assessing your child’s learning. Your daughter may remain a quiet student or she may speak up when she feels the need. Please don’t put any pressure on her to do so, it will only increase her anxiety.

If she continues this behavior for several months, you can take her to her doctor.

I agree that she’s just shy and will get used to school. I was the same way. Setting regular playdates is an excellent idea, especially if she doesn’t know many children around her age outside of school.