Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder that stops the sufferer from speaking in certain situations.

Bobby has suffered from selective mutism from the age of 2 and a half. Bobby has been through play school, nursery and is about to start year 4 in school and has never said a word to anyone. on the outside, Bobs looks like a normal 8 year old boy who plays football, goes to Cubs and enjoys spending time with his friends. On the inside is a little boy who is desperate to tell his friends about an amazing goal he scored and join in conversations about mindcraft, which Lego cards have been collected or how many fidget spinners they have at home. He would love to put his hand up in class to answer a question and tell the dinner lady what option he wants, instead he'll sit there picking at food he doesn't really like. He'll go through a whole day at school desperate for the toilet because he can't tell the teacher he needs to go.

The name 'selective mutism' is quite deseptive, there's no selection or choice as to who Bobby can talk to. Bobby has only 5 people he is verbal with.. his mum and his brothers and sister. He has never been able to tell his nan about a great day at school or compair Christmas presents with a cousin.

We have found an amazing doctor in New York who specializes in selective mutism and has a fantastic success rate. I will be taking Bobby to meet her and her team. Bobby will have intensive therapy sessions and be seen by a psychiatrist and we will start brave talking. I will be given me the skills to help Bobby and teach others how to help Bobby. Once we are back home they will be in contact with the school and gp guiding his recovery. This is such a good opportunity for Bobby. I have spent the last 6 years trying to get him help but there is nothing for him in this country. I would love nothing more than to be able to send a happy, verbal boy off to secondary school in 3 years time.

thank you for taking the time to read this and helping a lovely little boy find his voice.