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As they dont appear anxious all the time, adults may not realise these children find
speaking anxiety provoking, resulting in exasperation in some at their barely audible
voices and lack of eye contact. Misinterpretation of their anxious behaviour as being
manipulative, attention seeking, rude or defiant is not uncommon. Low profile SM
sufferers may also have other anxieties, for example with regard to meal-time and
toileting. Close contact with parents is advisable in order to discuss any problems the
child may be having since they may be unable to communicate their needs, e.g. asking
permission to use the toilet, asking for help if they dont understand, telling the teacher if
they are feeling unwell or are being bullied. Any problems at home also need to be
discussed with the parents.
These children need to be made to feel welcome at school and their problems explained
in an age-appropriate manner to peers. Preferably, a member of staff should be
appointed to make a special relationship with the child in a one-to-one situation. In one
school, we have heard of a lunch-time support group being created for the afflicted child.
Also being patient and not pressurising the child to speak is a step in the right direction.
As these childrens problems are likely to increase when they reach the senior school, it
is important that their difficulties are not ignored and the right sort of help/treatment is
made available.
SMIRA 2008