Treating Selective Mutism as a Speech-Language Pathologist
Originally presented by Emily Doll on September 19, 2023.
PLEASE NOTE: STAR NET Region II and VI is unable to award credit for viewing this recording.
Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder in which children are able to communicate appropriately in at least one context, but struggle in other settings or with other communication partners. SM profoundly affects social/pragmatic language skills, as well as academic and social-emotional skills, and treatment of this disorder falls under the speech-language pathologist’s scope of practice. The current presentation will discuss characteristics of SM and the role of the SLP in working with students with SM, review evidence-based treatment approaches and techniques, provide guidance regarding how to progress through therapy for children with varying severity levels of SM, discuss specific activities that can be utilized in therapy, and provide attendees with the opportunity to practice new skills and techniques.
Particpants will be able to:
- Describe characteristics of selective mutism and the speech-language pathologist’s role in assessing and treating selective mutism
- Plan and carry out an effective assessment protocol to determine the student’s strengths and areas of need
- Implement an intentional and evidence-based treatment program tailored to the student’s individual needs
