Breaking the Silence: Navigating Selective Mutism and Embracing Neurodivergence

October 13, 2023

By Sue Bayley

When I reflect on this question, I think lies and ignorance have to be mentioned.

I think I have more tolerance for a criminal than someone who falls into the category mentioned.

How does it 

show up in my life.

Selective Mutism can still show up in my life if I get a sense that I am not being understood or accepted, or alternatively if I feel I am being manipulated or gaslighted. 

Or I will physically take myself into a different internal or external space. Headphones and earbuds help too.

Sometimes my path crosses with a young person who tells me they find it challenging to pick up the telephone to a family member, friend or professional. They say the fear judgment by the other person, as they struggle to communicate. 

Sometimes they stutter or spit their words out, and are consequently seen as less able due to perception or projection of an uneducated person, who hasn’t been taught about neurodivergence and its impact on speech.

“Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored“. Aldous Huxley

“Real knowledge is to know the extent of one’s ignorance”. Confucius

“One lie has the power to tarnish a thousand truths “. Al David