SELECTIVE MUTISM
...SMSG-SA (Selective Mutism Support Group - South Africa) is an organisation dedicated to providing information, resources and support to children and adults affected by the anxiety disorder known as Selective Mutism (SM).
SM is a social anxiety disorder characterized by a child or adult's inability to speak in one or more social situation or settings, e.g., at school, public places, etc. despite being able to speak comfortably in other settings such as at home with family.
SM is usually characterized by extreme shyness, withdrawal or seriousness; refusal to make eye contact; refraining from social participation; constant failure or pronounced fear to speak in specific social situations e.g. at school. Visible anxiety such as excessive perspiration, blushing, etc. The duration of the disorder varies from person to person. According to research, it may be affecting as little as 2 in 10 000 children.
Our mission is to increase public awareness of SM and other childhood anxiety disorders through education and to provide support to affected individuals and their families - particularly in South Africa where this condition is relatively unknown. We would like to invite anybody who suspects that their child may have SM or has been diagnosed with it, to contact us. Apart from offering free support, we are in the process of building a database and network of professionals i.e physicians, psychologists, psychiatrists, therapists etc. who may be of assistance to such families whether with regards to diagnosis, treatment, or support in any way possible. In sharing experiences and knowledge, we would be able to educate, increase public awareness and create a better understanding of this disorder.
SMSG-SA can be contacted as follows:
Contact Person: Estelle Peetz
Contact Number: 082-8992991
Fax no.: 086-693 9525
Postal address: P O Box 6433, Greenhills, 1767
Have a look at: www.selectivemutism.co.za
for further and more detailed information.
If you suspect that your child may have Selective Mutism or an Anxiety Disorder (which first appears as a very extreme form of shyness),
please join the support group!
e-mail us at:
supportgroup@healthykidz.co.za or supportgroup@selectivemutism.co.za
Please scroll down to view a selection of good Selective Mutism Resources.
The following beautiful poem giving you an insight into the world of a Selectively Mute child, was written by Jeanette MacKenzie
for HealthyKidz.co.za.
Thanks Jeanette, (from the bottom of my heart). It is beautiful, and once again, you are a truly wonderful and gifted person bringing joy into many people's lives!
I AM A CHILD OF SILENCE
HERE I STAND BEFORE YOU
A UNIQUE CHILD OF THIS EARTH
A GIFT TO THOSE AROUND ME
FROM THE DAY LIFE GAVE ME BIRTH
IT MAY SEEM SO CONFUSING
AS YOU COMMUNICATE WITH ME
AND YOU WAIT FOR MY RESPONSE
I KNOW THAT YOU CAN’T SEE…..
THAT MY VOICE IS LOCKED AWAY
IT IS HIDDEN DEEP INSIDE
I CANNOT SEEM TO SET IT FREE
AND I KNOW HOW HARD I’VE TRIED
MY SHYNESS AND MY WORRY
HAVE TRAPPED MY STIFFELED VOICE
THIS IS NOT WHAT I HAD WANTED
A SILENT WORLD IS NOT MY CHOICE
I’D LOVE TO BREAK THE SOLID WALLS
THAT BLOCK MY FREE EXPRESSION
I’D LOVE TO CHAT AND LAUGH AND PLAY
BUT SOME DAYS I FEEL DEPRESSION
SO PLEASE DON’T THINK THAT I AM RUDE
OR THAT MY MOM AND DAD HAVE FAILED
TO TEACH ME I SHOULD BE POLITE
SOME DAYS IT FEELS WE’VE BEEN DERAILED
FOR ON OUR FAMILY JOURNEY
AS WE ALL TRIED TO MAKE OUR WAY
SELECTIVE MUTISM ARRIVED, THOUGH UNINVITED
AND STOPPED WHAT I HAD TO SAY
WE LIVE IN HOPE THAT THROUGH IT ALL
I WILL LEARN TO TRUST AND GROW
TO SLOWLY TAKE THE STEPS I NEED
IN THE HOPE MY WORDS MAY FLOW
NOW EVERYDAY WE TRY OUR BEST
TO HELP SET MY VOICE FREE
BUT MY HEART AND SOUL ARE STILL THE SAME
AND I AM STILL JUST ME!
By Jeanette MacKenzie
www.Floatnotes.co.za
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