Meet the cat helping a boy with selective mutism

A boy who has the condition selective mutism, which inhibits his ability to communicate, has been helped by the family cat.

Lorcan Dillon's life has been transformed by Jessi-Cat, who he speaks more freely with, improving his confidence at home and school.

Lorcan's mother Jayne and brother Luke praised the feline friend, who has received two awards for her contribution.

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[xSelphie1999x]

awesome video, I can actually relate to this a bit but I have autism anyway during childhood I wouldn't speak to anyone and thus was said to have SM. Eventually my mum got a cat and have since gotten much better in dealing with things, sadly tho that cat has since died due to old age =(

But its a amazing how much 1 animal can effect someone

Anyways glad to see a video like this, good luck in the future and thanks for uploading

[pollywolly48]

A tv studio is hardly the ideal place for making a diagnosis. I know that prior to the live broadcast he was in the green room and having animated conversations with his mother and brother! I have seen other children in the same situation before a camera who freeze or hide behind the parent.

[EvanEnterprises]

The thing about Selective Mutism is that it is fueled by fear. Trying to medicate it through harsh discipline, especially in a social setting, is only going to make that fear worse. You will not get a Selective Mute to talk through social force because it's the social interaction that's driving the fear of talking.

The best course of action is actually to ignore their lack of parlance. Phobias fade if they're kept out of active thought. Under this approach most will, as I did, 'grow out of it'.

[bluemime86]

In this case, cat doesnt get the boys tongue, cat actually gives the boys tongue. A very unlikely thing for cats to do.

[Adam Preston]

Wow. Who the hell do you think you are?

[SahiraJPoetry]

what a beautiful birman cat! she's not a rag doll because a rag doll has a white chin and is much bigger. That's sweet how an animal companion is one ways of enriching his life.

[drinndrann]

I have them both

[frankthetank213]

Not really

[sciprio1]

Wow that's an attractive mom.

[pollywolly48]

Sheer ignorance. 

[frankthetank213]

Some good ol disciplinary spanking will snap this kid out of that.

[gymstar962501]

It's cute that he connects w his cat but that isn't going to help with his problem.