ABSTRACT
Meeting strangers is stressful for children who have selective mutism (SM). So a parent or member of staff with whom the child has good rapport should be present at the first meeting, except with teenagers who are often more self-conscious with an audience. Parents may need to be warned that the therapists will be talking to their child about their speech anxiety. If therapists are meeting the child at home, ask the parent to involve him or her in a favourite activity before therapists arrive, so that therapists can gradually show interest and join in. However, it can be very difficult for children with SM to make choices, which may lead to further expectation to interact, even if you are only asking which toy they prefer, or where they would like to sit. The first meeting with the child gives therapists the opportunity to observe the extent of their communication with therapists and how they interact with their parent in public.
