Lucy Nathanson Books

Why doesn’t Alice talk at school?” is a beautifully illustrated book that can be read to peers to help them to understand selective mutism. The book starts with a section for adults, and the story for children follows. Reading this book creates a space for adults to have a conversation with peers about selective mutism, to answer their questions, and to explain in a child-friendly way how they can support their friend. Children with selective mutism are often fearful of how peers would respond if they were to talk. Naturally, it is a very exciting moment when a child speaks for the first time; however, making a fuss may halt the child’s ability to continue to use their voice. This book can be used as a tool to help peers to understand selective mutism, and to explain important messages which will help to create a supportive class environment for the child with selective mutism.About the AuthorLucy Nathanson is a child therapist and founder of Confident Children. Lucy is passionate about helping children with selective mutism. She works directly with children and makes videos with the aim of spreading awareness about selective mutism. On an international level, Lucy speaks at conferences and provides support and guidance to parents and professionals. She is the author of Understanding Selective A Beginner’s Guide and My Name is Eliza and I don’t talk at school. Find out more at www.confidentchildren.co.uk

This beautifully illustrated and positive book is an excellent aid and therapeutic tool for both therapists and parents of primary-age children with selective mutism. Selectively mute children who are aged 6 years and over can also read this book themselves or with an adult. The book opens with a section for adults to read before presenting the story to the child, explaining how best to use the book and the therapeutic approach to helping children with selective mutism, as well as including useful discussion questions.Eliza's charming story then follows. In the first half, Eliza describes how she feels in different situations, both at home and at school - feelings that will resonate with many children with selective mutism. In the second half, we discover how she begins to overcome her fear with small steps and easy methods that parents and therapists can adopt. With delightful artwork, this story will help children with selective mutism feel as though they are not alone, as well as offering parents and professionals a way to begin a conversation with the child about their selective mutism and suggest the steps to help them

My name is Ben and I don’t talk sometimes is a story about a child’s experience of selective mutism, in his words. Ben takes us on a journey of how he feels across situations - at his birthday party, with people he’s unable to talk to, on playdates and at school. Through the story, we also learn that Ben’s best friend has a fear of swimming and by taking small steps he works to overcome this. Ben shares, in a child-friendly way, his feelings around talking and interwoven into the story is the intervention of how he begins to make steps forward. Parents and professionals can use this book as a therapeutic tool to begin a dialogue with children about selective mutism. The story is suitable for children aged 6 years and over. Through beautiful illustrations, children will identify with Ben, realising that they are not alone; thus allowing for a conversation to begin about their difficulty with talking, as well as the steps to help them