Treating Selective Mutism As A Speech Language Pathologist

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder in which individuals are unable to communicate in certain environments or contexts (such as at school or in the community) despite having appropriate speech and language skills in other settings. By drawing on their extensive knowledge of language development, language complexity, and therapeutic approaches, speech-language pathologists (SLPs) can provide life-changing results for children with SM. Treating Selective Mutism as a Speech-Language Pathologist is a comprehensive yet accessible resource designed to bridge the gap in the current SM literature and empower SLPs to treat this disorder effectively. This valuable professional resource has tools for SLPs at every stage of their careers, from new clinicians preparing for potential cases of SM to experienced SLPs looking to expand their knowledge base. The first three chapters of Treating Selective Mutism as a Speech-Language Pathologist offer a base of understanding by exploring the roots and characteristics of SM. The text then walks clinicians through effective assessment and diagnosis strategies. The final chapters provide evidence-based treatment strategies, as well as practical guides and activities, for supporting children with SM. Key Features: * Ready-to-use activities, handouts, and forms that can be reproduced and implemented during a therapy session * Up-to-date empirical evidence regarding the etiological factors of SM * Overview of the collaborative team approach necessary for treating SM * Suggestions regarding specific assessment materials and a specific protocol to guide data collection during assessment * Specific, evidence-based treatment strategies provided in a clear, easy-to-understand manner Disclaimer: Please note that ancillary content (such as documents, audio, and video, etc.) may not be included as published in the original print version of this book.

Overview of anxiety -- History of SM and etiological factors -- Characteristics of SM -- Assessment and diagnosis of SM -- Treatment techniques for SM -- Meaningful goals and therapy activities.

Treatment for Children with Selective Mutism outlines the sequence and essential elements to guide clinicians through a comprehensive, integrated program for young children who display symptoms of SM.

Often described as 'social phobia's cousin' and misdiagnosed as autism, selective mutism is a debilitating fear of speaking in some situations experienced by some children. The disorder usually presents in children before the age of five, but it may not be recognized until the child starts school. When requested to speak, children with selective mutism often look down, blush, or otherwise express anxiety that disrupts their engagement with people and activities. Selective mutism is related to social anxiety and social phobia, and more than 90 percent of children with selective mutism also manifest symptoms of one of these problems. This book is the first available for parents of children with selective mutism. It offers a broad overview of the condition and reviews the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. The book details a plan you can use to coordinate professional treatment of your child's disorder. It also explains the steps you can take on your own to encourage your child to speak comfortably in school and in his or her peer group. All of the book's strategies employ a gradual, 'stepladder' approach. The techniques gently encourage children to speak more, while at the same time helping them feel safe and supported. Angela E. McHolm, Ph.D., is director of the Selective Mutism Service at McMaster Children's Hospital in Hamilton, ON. The Selective Mutism Service offers outpatient psychiatric consultation to families and professionals such as school personnel, speech and language pathologists, and mental health clinicians who support children with selective mutism. She is assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences in the Faculty of Health Sciences at McMaster University in Hamilton, ON.

Bringing together the latest research and understanding on selective mutism, this edited book gives essential information on the various treatment and therapy options. Experts in the fields of speech and language therapy, psychology, music therapy education and communication offer a wide range of professional perspectives on the condition, while case studies from people with selective mutism, past sufferers and parents reveal the personal impact. The book also clarifies what support a person with selective mutism is likely to need at home, school and in social situations. This definitive volume on selective mutism will be key reading for professionals such as speech and language therapists, educational psychologists, child psychiatrists, child and adolescent mental health workers and anyone working with selective mutism in therapeutic and educational settings, as well as family members wanting a closer understanding of what selective mutism is and how they can help.

For anyone who needs to understand, assess or manage selective mutism, this is a comprehensive and practical manual that is grounded in behavioural psychology and anxiety management and draws on relevant research findings as well as the authors' extensive clinical experience. Now in its second edition and including new material for adolescents and adults, The Selective Mutism Resource Manual 2e provides: an up-to-date summary of literature and theory to deepen your understanding of selective mutism a wealth of ideas on assessment and management in home, school and community settings so that its relevance extends far beyond clinical practice a huge range of printable online handouts and other resources case studies and personal stories to illustrate symptoms and demonstrate the importance of tailored interventions. This book is essential reading for people who have selective mutism as well as for the clinicians, therapists, educators, caseworkers and families who support them.

This is a collection of 48 highly useful case studies of children and adults with communication disorders.

There have been important developments in the study and treatment of selective mutism during the ten years since the first edition of this book was published. Understanding of the subject has improved more dramatically than in any period since the phenomenon of children who talk readily in some situations but not in others was first recognised over a century ago. The second edition of this practical book reports recent developments in medication and combined therapies. New findings on the links between social anxiety, biological and genetic factors and selective mutism are described. At the same time the authors remain committed to understanding this pattern of behaviour in its full social context in family and community and to employing behavioural approaches to intervention alongside other methods. This is the fullest and most authoritative book-length account of selective mutism in print.