Pam Linkous
March 16, 2004 I just want parents with a selective mute child to know that there is hope. My daughter,who is now 16 years old, was selective mute from infancy. We didn't have a name for her problem until second grade. At that time I checked with local doctors and nobody in our small Tennessee town knew anything about it. I researched and choose to treat this disorder myself with the help of understanding teachers. By the 4th grade my daughter was speaking in whispers to her teachers and fellow students. In middle school she didn't need any special treatment. The teachers just thought she was quiet. She is now a sophmore in high school, yesterday she gave a speech in her Honors English class. I now believe that she will be able to hold her own in any situation life throws at her. I am very proud of my daughter. She has had to work hard to overcome this disorder and will probably continue to fight it her entire life. So parents don't give up. Encourage your child, stay in contact with teachers, and use your judgement as to what's best for your child. You know him/her best.