Course Description

Selective Mutism (SM) has a prevalence of 1 in 143 children, which means they will be in schools and clinics where SLPs work.  If SM is an anxiety-based disorder, should SLPs be involved in assessment or intervention?  The answer is absolutely – yes!  Literature reveals that 85% of children with SM also have comorbid speech (articulation and fluency) and language disorders (form and content).  Additionally, the quality of interaction (use) is impacted by the lack of verbal exchange.

Objectives

Define the five diagnostic criteria for SM and the role of the SLP in assessment.
List the four capacities of SM severity.
Explain the role of the SLP in treatment of SM.

Level: Introductory

Instruction at the Introductory Level of difficulty is generally intended for professionals with novice experience in the content area. Material presented is based on fundamental principles or concepts that are fairly well known and regularly applied. Often this level of training is intended to be a prerequisite to successive, more difficult topics offered at the Intermediate Level. At times, experienced professionals might be advised to take this training for review or in preparation for more advanced level training. Introductory level can also be used to describe course content related to new or emerging areas of practice.

Disclosures

Non-Financial:  Training Leader and Expert DIRFloortime Clinician. DIRFloortime is incorporated into Joleen's philosophy and presentation.

Joleen Fernald

Dr. Fernald was awarded Board Specialty Recognition in Child Language from the American Speech Language Hearing Association. She follows Greenspan and Wieder’s model, DIRFloortime® , when working with children and families. She has a special interest in the social emotional development of young children and its impact on their speech and language skills. As a speech-language pathologist, Dr. Fernald works with children who have a variety of communication disorders. She partnered with Easter Seals NH in 2006 to begin an assessment and treatment clinic specifically for children with selective mutism and has recreated the model in the Tampa Bay area of Florida as well. Dr. Fernald enjoys public speaking and has presented nationally on the topics of childhood apraxia of speech and selective mutism.

Course curriculum

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