Selective Mutism In Our Own Words: Experiences in Childhood and Adulthood

by Cheryl Forrester, Carl Sutton, Donna Williams (Foreword by)

Overview

An eye-opening and enlightening collection of stories from people living with Selective Mutism (SM), this book provides a much-needed platform for people with SM to share experiences of the condition in their own words.

Exploring all aspects of SM, from symptoms and diagnostic criteria, to triggers and the consequences of being psychologically unable to speak, the stories in this book dispel the myths around this often misunderstood condition. Far from refusing to talk, or choosing not to, the contributors offer genuine insights into why they simply cannot speak in certain situations or in front of certain people. Children, teens and adults from the UK and US share experiences of feeling isolated, struggling at school, and finding ways to communicate. Letting people with SM know that they are not alone with the condition, the book will also help family, friends and professionals to understand what it is like to live with SM.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784501143
Publisher:	Kingsley, Jessica Publishers
Publication date:	12/21/2015
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	272
Sales rank:	755,561
File size:	881 KB

About the Author

Carl Sutton and Cheryl Forrester set up and run the iSpeak online support group for older children and adults with Selective Mutism. Carl has had Selective Mutism since childhood, and has carried out research into Selective Mutism at the University of Chester, UK. Cheryl is a qualified social worker, counsellor and nurse. They both live in Wales, UK.
Donna Williams was born in Australia in 1963. She was assessed at age two as psychotic, labelled disturbed and tested for deafness throughout childhood before being diagnosed as autistic in 1990. Today she is an internationally best-selling author with nine published books, an artist, singer-songwriter and emerging screenwriter. One of the most well-known people with autism in the world, Donna is a renowned international public speaker, a qualified teacher and has worked as an autism consultant since 1995.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements. Foreword by Donna Williams. Preface. 1. An experiential introduction to Selective Mutism.
2. Selective Mutism - what it is in our own words. 3. Early life and Selective Mutism. 4. Early school experience and Selective Mutism. 5. High school experience and Selective Mutism. 6. Parents' experiences of high school and home-schooling. 7. Becoming an adult with Selective Mutism. 8. Bullying and Selective Mutism. 9. Mutism, family relationships, and the home environment. 10. Those who spoke for me. 11. Selective Mutism and Asperger Syndrome. 12. Selective Mutism and Learning Difficulties. 13. Parents' experiences of Selective Mutism. 14. Therapists' experiences of Selective Mutism. 15. A teacher's experience of helping a child with Selective Mutism to find her voice. 16. How different life would have been without Selective Mutism. 17. Life Stories. Appendix A: Helping a new partner join a family where there is a child with Selective Mutism. Appendix B: Bullying and Selective Mutism. Appendix C: The reasons why I dislike school. References. Index.

Editorial Reviews

Finally, a book to dispel the myth that Selective Mutism is an exclusively childhood condition. My greatest hope is that this valuable contribution to the field will not only improve understanding of the nature and far-reaching effects of SM, but help mobilise Health Services to provide appropriate support for both children and adults.

Maggie Johnson

This must-read book educates about the emotional challenges of Selective Mutism experienced by all involved. From being bullied to overcoming obstacles, Sutton and Forrester expertly weave heartbreaking and uplifting moments through personal stories that read like journal entries. This is a resource that should be on all clinician's shelves.

Joleen R. Fernald

Selective Mutism in our own words in an excellent compilation of short extracts written by people living with the disorder. Carl Sutton's own personal experience creates a sensitive and enlightening undertone throughout the book, and the amalgamation of perspectives both from the individuals and their family members provides a holistic insight into the triggers, symptoms and consequences of having this communication anxiety disorder.

Afasic News - Natasha Hallam

A fascinating and beautiful glance into the lives of individuals with Selective Mutism and those who love and support them.

Aimee Kotrba