Autism And Selective Mutism? The Night Ayub Shut Down And Couldn’t Speak

Last week I majorly fucked up.

It was school holidays for public schools, but not for Ayub’s learning centre. Yet, I allowed him to stay up late with his little brother.

I’ve said so many times how important it is to stick to a schedule in order for Ayub to thrive and be happy… and I broke my own rule like a stupid dumbass.

So anyway. Ayub went to school as usual. Later that night, family came over for dinner. Again, another break from regular scheduling PLUS an extra sensory experience to add to Ayub’s day.

School + guests + late nights.

He had the complete opposite of a meltdown. He went mute.

It was around 10.30pm (Ayub is usually in bed by 8.30pm). And he just wouldn’t (couldn’t?) speak. It was like he shut down.

The kid just stared at me completely emotionless. It was really unnerving. It was like a silent anxiety attack or perhaps selective mutism (?)

He couldn’t even nod or shake his head when I asked him simple questions. Just completely frozen and emotionless. I brought him to his room to sleep but he stayed sitting upright on his bed for a long time.

The next morning he was back to his usual chatty, happy self. When I asked him what happened the night before, he said he didn’t know. He couldn’t explain. He wanted to speak but nothing came out.

Poor kid.

The day was just too much. I’m sorry.

I took a picture of Ayub in that state. He’s usually so smiley.