I can finally be a normal girl! Well almost. I have gained a few friends since Marco became my translator. Marco is so nice, he stays with me all the time to make sure I'm ok and to help me talk. The teacher isn't a fan of my idea though, she wants me to talk by myself, maybe she doesn't believe I'm selective mute, but i think she just doesn't know what selective mutism is.
I don't think anyone really understands what it is.
Selective mutism is a psychiatric disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech is unable to speak in given situations or specific people. A major sign of selective mutism is that it lasts for over one month which assures people you are not faking. Selective mutism is usually diagnosed in young children (5 years old and younger). Selective mutism is a rare disorder that effects fewer than 1% of individuals seen in a mental health settings.
Is she stupid. Damn teacher! I wanted to tell her to just google my condition on her dinosaur computer. Why cant she just see that its real. I have selective mutism and its not like I can control it. Well maybe I could if I had help... Like not just a bitchy teacher forcing me to talk... I need professional help or to at least have someone help me the way the professionals suggest.
the main ways to treat selective mutism are...
Stimulus fading: involve the child in a relaxed situation with someone they talk to freely, and then very gradually introduce a new person into the room
Shaping: use a structured approach to reinforce all efforts by the child to communicate, (e.g., gestures, mouthing or whispering) until audible speech is achieved
Self-modeling technique: have child watch videotapes of himself or herself performing the desired behavior (e.g., communicating effectively at home) to facilitate self-confidence and carry over this behavior into the classroom or setting where mutism occurs
and lastly some type of bullshit medication.
But I cant do any of them if nobody will help me! mostlikely they will just put me on drugs to try to solve my probelms. when we get enough money for them. I just wish to oneday be normal, and not need a translator to talk for me. Even though I think it is very sweet of Marco to do that for me. Ooh Marco, He's so sweet and nice and funny and a great friend. I hope we are friends forever just like what we promissed... Friends forever!
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Marco's POV (point of view)
I like being Mackenzie's translator. I know everything that she says lol. Maybe it will help me find out why she can talk to me and not others. Or maybe I should look it up on the intrnet?!? Naw I don't need to yet. Even though her condition is a little confusing. It sucks that I don't know a lot about her condition, so maybe if I know more it will surprise her and she may hug me. I love when she smiles and hugs me. I get a nice warm feeling inside. I think this is what love feels like! But ive never felt love before so maybe its not. Wtf! Im sure this is the feeling older people talk about. LOVE!.. But what if she doesn't feel the same way. What if she doesn't know what love is. What if she stops talking to me when I tell her that I love her. I cant bear to loose her, so I will wait for a sign to tell me if she loves me too. In the mean time I should probably research her condition, so I am prepared for the future and can maybe find out how to help her.
End of Marco's POV
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Writers note!!
Thx for reading dont forget to vote, comment and read my other books <3 ily readers <3
YOU ARE READING
The Mute Button
Non-FictionThis story is about a girl named mackenzie and her struggles of growing up with a phycological disorder called selective mutism.
