Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism 

This is a great webinar for anyone who wants further information on how to help students who are struggling with selective mutism because there is not much information out there about this topic. I myself have three students who are currently struggling with this issue and both my supervisor and I have been researching this topic in order to offer better support. The webinar offers some tools for teachers and social workers can use when working with student with Selective Mutism.

Some basic Information about Selective Mutism:

What is Selective Mutism?

It is characterized by the appropriate use of language in certain settings and ongoing lack of language in other areas.

·         Ongoing refusal to talk in one or more social situations.

·         A disturbance that interferes with their education or occupational achievement and social communication.

·         Duration of disturbance is at least one month.

·         Failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of comfort with spoken language in a social situation.

·         SM is not part of a communication disorder or other. (Ex. Stuttering)

What are some distinguishing features?

These can be determined by looking at history, family, interviews and examinations of behaviors in different settings.

BACK TO SCHOOL PLANNING FOR THE CHILD WITH SELECTIVE MUTISM 

PRESENTED BY:  DR. ELISA SHIPON-BLUM 
DESCRIPTION:

Join the expert, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, who developed the evidenced-based treatment,Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), discuss ways to help the child with Selective Mutism prepare for the upcoming school year, including the Selective Mutism Interview Game.  In addition, recommendations on how to maintain progress throughout the school year to help the child with Selective Mutism speak within the school setting will be discussed.

http://www.selectivemutismcenter.org/Media_Library/Back_to_School_Video.mp4

References 

Giddan, J. J., & Ross, G. J. (1997). Selective mutism in elementary school: Multidisciplinary interventions. Language, Speech & Hearing Services In Schools, 28(2), 127.