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

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

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

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

Accommodations 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 non-threatening ways Advance warning of changes in routine

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

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

For More Information: www.selectivemutismcenter.org www.selectivemutism.org sminfo@selectivemutism.org SMartCenter@selectivemutism.org