What is Selective Mutism Summer Seibert M S

What is Selective Mutism? Summer Seibert, M. S. , CCC-SLP Tammy Qualls, M. S. , CCC-SLP Viki Johnson, M. A. , SLP Tara Butterworth, M. A. , LSSP Crystal Glenn, M. A. , LSSP Alexandra Hudson, Ph. D, LSSP Adapted from information presented by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, President & Director of Selective Mutism Anxiety Research and Treatment Center (Smart-Center)

Selective Mutism: Definition o A childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak in select social situations such as school o Can speak normally in certain settings such as home or with a preferred adult o Not due to shyness, stuttering, or developmental disorder, such as autism o Persisted for at least one month

Research Indicates Individuals who develop Selective Mutism: 1) Have strong family history of social anxiety 2) 90% have social anxiety 3) Girls more prevalent than boys - 3: 1 o

Influential Factors o Genetics o Brain Differences n Ex. Hyper-active amygdala (responsible for feelings) o Environment n Parents or school misunderstanding & enabling n Family stress and ‘troubles’ n Child modeling n Bilingual family environment

Precipitating Factors o Social anxiety (over 90%) o Bilingual/Multilingual (silent period) o Speech-Language factors o Personality traits (controlling, stubborn, assertive, bright, heightened perceptions)

Accommodations n n n No pressure for speaking Provide tablet and/ or tape recorder for student responses Peer buddy Comfortable seating within classroom Introduce new situations in subtle and nonthreatening ways Advance warning of changes in routine

Things to Keep in Mind o Don’t make a big deal out of the child making sounds/ talking. o Allow for time to respond. Children with SM hesitate when anxious. Do not jump in with the response if the child is not communicating. o Praise and support the child’s efforts: “You did so well!” o Prepare child for changes/transitions: substitutes, field trips/ assemblies

Who to go to on Campus? o Contact your Speech Pathologist and/ or LSSP in your Special Education department about student concerns o General Education Counselor is also a great resource

For More Information: o www. selectivemutismcenter. org o www. selectivemutism. org o sminfo@selectivemutism. org o SMart. Center@selectivemutism. org