selective mutism
DEFINITION
It is often linked to anxiety disorder but rather than it being from a single traumatic event it is the manifestation of chronic pattern of anxiety. This anxiety leads to difficulty with speech or being non-verbal in uncomfortable settings such as school and other places outside of their home. Coding: Code 53 - Emotional/Behavioural Disability OR Code 42 - Sever Emotional/Behavioural Disability Code 58 - Physical or Medical Disability OR Code 44 - Severe Physical or Medical Disability |
CHARACTERISTICS/BEHAVIOURS
Excessive shyness: This leads to not speaking in most social situations, being withdrawn, and very dependant on parents. They will often not make eye contact, avoid most people, and can be found often staring off into space. Oppositional behaviour: May refuse to follow directions if they are feeling anxious and can be sensitive to noise or touch. |
TEACHING STRATEGIES
- When developing strategies both the student and their parents should be involved to incorporate routines that they do at home and also the student feels comfortable with. - The focus should be creating goals that you and the student can work together to reach. These goals should be small baby steps rather than large overarching goals. - Incorporate relaxation exercises in your classroom that all students can participate in so the student feels comfortable with their peers. - Allow students to use non verbal means of communication such as a whiteboard. You should always strive for the students to not become dependant on these strategies though and eventually weaning them away from some. |
RESOURCES
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inmdict/html/selective_mutism.html
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/insp/html/learning_class_routines.html
http://www.ementalhealth.ca/Calgary-Health-Region/Selective-Mutism-in-Children-and-Youth/index.php?m=article&ID=8894
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/insp/html/managing_anxiety.html
http://www.acposb.on.ca/LearnChall/MUTISM.html#
http://designandcopy.ca/silentchild/teachers.html
http://www.selectivemutism.org
Beidel, D. C., & Turner, S. M. (2005). Childhood anxiety disorders: A guide to research and treatment. New York: Routledge.
Rubin, K. H., & Coplan, R. J. (2010). The development of shyness and social withdrawal. New York: Guilford.
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/inmdict/html/selective_mutism.html
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/insp/html/learning_class_routines.html
http://www.ementalhealth.ca/Calgary-Health-Region/Selective-Mutism-in-Children-and-Youth/index.php?m=article&ID=8894
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/insp/html/managing_anxiety.html
http://www.acposb.on.ca/LearnChall/MUTISM.html#
http://designandcopy.ca/silentchild/teachers.html
http://www.selectivemutism.org
Beidel, D. C., & Turner, S. M. (2005). Childhood anxiety disorders: A guide to research and treatment. New York: Routledge.
Rubin, K. H., & Coplan, R. J. (2010). The development of shyness and social withdrawal. New York: Guilford.