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
• A PluralPlus companion website with printable versions of the resources in the book

Emily R. Doll, MA, MS, CCC-SLP, has a background in developmental psychology and speech-language pathology. She is currently a licensed school-based speech-language pathologist in Pennsylvania, where she works with elementary and middle school students. She has presented on selective mutism at national, state, and local conferences, and has participated as a team member in the treatment of many children with selective mutism and other comorbid diagnoses, ranging in age from preschool to adolescence. Her research interests include the influence of psychological factors, such as anxiety, on speech and language skills, as well as the impact of parental language on children's language development.