Selective Mutism (S.M.)
Written by Sue Bayley
Someone struggling to find their voice, is really heart wrenching.
And Selective Mutism is a real thing.
From my own experience, I have felt reduced self-esteem, isolation, self-judgement, compassion for myself and others, and a struggle to undo the conditioning of my childhood, that I was being wilful, and mutely disobedient.
It doesn’t work if for me, if you shout, coax, or force, only love, kindness and awareness work, so it imperative, that the subject is out in the open.
S.M. is a hidden disability, and as such it is less understood.
Without a voice that works, when you are acutely anxious, I miss the opportunity to ask for help. And can take the hardest route to solve a problem.
Relationships can be damaged, as trust is only given to those individuals who are allowed close.
Sometimes a stranger can surprise you, and they slip through your radar of protection. Why? Because they listen without judgement.
And a fresh choice creates a new trajectory.
“Having witnessed thousands of young neuro-diverse people be let down critically by the very authorities meant to support them, Sue believes that too much stress, distress and mental health mess is caused when support workers aren’t trained properly to work with neuro-diverse people, but it doesn’t have to be this way. That’s why she and her partner Susan are raising awareness around neuro-diversity, giving a voice to the voiceless and meaning to the marginalised.” Sue Bayley
