Learn to read the signs, how is diagnosis done, who can diagnose, what interventions are there, support systems in schools and in the workplace. Websites about Selective Mutism Information
1. SMA (Selective Mutism Association) - www.selectivemutism.org/ 2. Teacher's Guide to Selective Mutism @ Child Mind Institute - https://childmind.org/guide/teachers-guide-to-selective-mutism/ 3. Selective Mutism @ ASHA - www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/selective-mutism/ 4. SMART Centre Bridge to Communication - selectivemutismcenter.org/ 5. SMIRA - www.selectivemutism.org.uk/ |
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COPYRIGHT ISPEAK
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Please END the disempowering, victimising, negative language around Selective Mutism.
Shaming, Guilting, Finding Fault, even if they are family members, they will continue with their condescendence, their toxic behaviors, and believe that they are "Caring", projecting their inner struggles and blaming on the individual's assumed incompetence. This is very toxic and can lead to self discriminatory thoughts of ableism. Many neurodiverse children suffer on a day to day basis, with toxic families in sg. They will continue to experience shame, guilt and continuously be excluded especially in festive seasons like large family gatherings such as Chinese New Year. |
Selective Mutism does not mean the individual does not want to communicate, but rather has difficulty expressing themselves via verbal communication. It is best to never force the individual to speak, rather allow the individual to choose their most comfortable mode of communication, as a first form of intervention or support. Allowing this helps to reduce barriers to express their feelings, and thoughts.
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8 Myths about Selective Mutism |
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DIAGNOSIS & ASSESSMENTS
Screenings, assessments and diagnosis can be assessed by both an SLT or a Psy. Hearing screenings must be conducted first to rule out hearing loss.
During the evaluation, parents/caregivers may need to help elicit verbal output. Not to give them the answers, but to aid in emotional support. Can help to encourage child to correspond non-verbally. Point, nod, write. Due to it being on the anxiety range, parent support helps for the evaluation to proceed with less stress. Enquire for longer evaluation processes, can help to reduce the need to respond quickly, breaking it down to a few days, make it more informal are also helpful.
Read the assessment tab to know more: www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/selective-mutism/#collapse_5
During the evaluation, parents/caregivers may need to help elicit verbal output. Not to give them the answers, but to aid in emotional support. Can help to encourage child to correspond non-verbally. Point, nod, write. Due to it being on the anxiety range, parent support helps for the evaluation to proceed with less stress. Enquire for longer evaluation processes, can help to reduce the need to respond quickly, breaking it down to a few days, make it more informal are also helpful.
Read the assessment tab to know more: www.asha.org/practice-portal/clinical-topics/selective-mutism/#collapse_5
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Creating SUPPORTS instead of BARRIERS
in schools and in the workplace.
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1. What Teachers Need to Know About Selective Mutism - https://www.weareteachers.com/selective-mutism/
2. SMA - Educator Toolkit - https://www.selectivemutism.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/SMA_Educator_ToolKit.pdf 3. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR AN EMPLOYEE WITH SM - INCLUDING EXPRESSIVE LANGUAGE DIFFICULTIES, ADD, AND DYSPRAXIA - http://www.ispeak.org.uk/Work.aspx 4. DOs & DON’Ts for Interacting with Those with Selective Mutism - https://selectivemutismcenter.org/dos-donts-for-interacting-with-those-with-selective-mutism/ 5. Using technology for communication with selective mutism - Kristin Skacel - https://rdw.rowan.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1268&context=etd 6. Using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Devices - www.speechbuddy.com/blog/speech-therapy-techniques/using-augmentative-and-alternative-communication-aac-devices/ |
LINK to Awareness Cards such as the above - https://stickmancommunications.co.uk/product/aac-card/
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COPYRIGHT NATASHA DALE
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COPYRIGHT Natasha Dale
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BOOKS, BLOGS & ADVOCACY
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BOOKS
1. SELECTIVE MUTISM IN OUR OWN WORDS - EXPERIENCES IN CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD - BY CARL SUTTON AND CHERYL FORRESTER (ISPEAK) - http://www.ispeak.org.uk/InOurOwnWords.aspx? 2. SELECTIVE MUTISM IN OUR OWN WORDS - In mandarin 
3. I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY! - AN EXPLORATION INTO THE HEART AND MIND OF MY SELECTIVE MUTISM - BY KATHRYN HARPER - http://www.ispeak.org.uk/SomethingToSay.aspx 4. Katie-Jane Books by Kathryn Harper - “Am I a Chameleon?”, “Have You Seen My Tail?”, “The Cat Got My Tongue!” - https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/220586180/the-cat-got-my-tongue-katie-jane-picture-book? 5. LIST OF Selective Mutism Books - https://findingourvoices.co.uk/sm-resources/sm-books/ |
BLOGS & Articles
1. THE OTHER SIDE OF SILENCE - https://othersideofsilent.blogspot.com/ 2. ISPEAK - http://www.ispeak.org.uk/Default.aspx 3. A moment that changed me: a teacher’s acceptance of my silence Phoebe-Jane Boyd |