Selective Mutism

2 October, 2013
Selective mutism (formerly known as elective mutism) usually happens during childhood. A child with selective mutism does not speak in certain situations, like at school, but speaks at other times, like at home or with friends. Selective mutism often starts before a child is 5 years old. It is usually first noticed when the child starts school.

What are some signs or symptoms of selective mutism?

Symptoms are as follows:

Children with selective mutism may also show:

A child with selective mutism should be seen by a speech-language pathologist (SLP), in addition to a paediatrician and a psychologist or psychiatrist. These professionals will work as a team with teachers, family, and your child.”

What we do…

The assessment process is very important and includes:
The educational history review seeks information on:
The hearing screening seeks information on:
The oral-motor examination seeks information on:
The parent/caregiver interview seeks information on:
The speech and language evaluation seeks information on:
Once assessment is complete our speech and language Pathologist will 
offer intervention.  This may be a combination of strategies including;
A behavioral treatment program may include the following:
For specific speech and language problems our therapist can:
Working with the child’s teachers includes:

What you can do….

Working with your child, our therapist, and teachers to generalise learned communication behaviours into other speaking situations is essential for the success of intervention.
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By Debbie Evans

Executive Director

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