CAMHS Selective Mutism

SELECTIVE MUTISM RESOURCES: FOR CHILDREN, ADOLESCENTS, PARENTS, AND SCHOOL

Resources specific to SM:

Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMiRA): http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/

iSpeak: http://www.ispeak.org.uk/Default.aspx

Selective Mutism Association (SMA): https://www.selectivemutism.org/

Non-specific resources:

Anxiety UK: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/

ChildLine: https://www.childline.org.uk/

Kooth: https://www.kooth.com/

  • Provides free, safe and anonymous online support for young people
  • Live chat with a Kooth counsellor is available from Monday – Friday from 12pm- 10pm; and Saturday – Sunday from 6pm-10pm
  • Also allows you to keep a personal journal, read articles written by young people, and participate in discussion boards

YoungMinds: https://youngminds.org.uk/

The following books are recommended by SMiRA. For the full list, see: http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/resources/recommended-reading/

  • Can’t Talk? Want to Talk!, by Joe Levett & Stephen Street
  • My Friend Daniel Doesn’t Talk, by Sharon Longo
  • Maya’s Voice, by Wen-Wen Cheng
  • The Loudest Roar, by Clair Maskell
  • What is selective mutism? (by Building Blocks Therapy Centre): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXcgNPpFjBM
  • Beyond mute (a TEDx Talk by writer Shaela Niles): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZKTji7k5Y
  • What is selective mutism? | Jade’s Mental Health Story (by Mind, the mental health charity): https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=SFW5ttTTFTg&feature=emb_title
     

Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMiRA):

Selective Mutism Association (SMA): https://www.selectivemutism.org/sample-page/im-a-parent/

Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/guide/parents-guide-to-sm/

  • A helpful guide for parents, with information on spotting signs of SM, as well as treatment options

 

Anxiety Canada: https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/selective-mutism/

  • Provides information on selective mutism for parents, with topics including:
    • How do I know if my child has selective mutism?
    • What causes selective mutism?
    • What maintains selective mutism?
    • How is selective mutism diagnosed and treated?
    • Selective mutism in adolescence

YoungMinds:

The following books are recommended by SMiRA. For the full list, see: http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/resources/recommended-reading/

Can I Tell You About Selective Mutism?, by Maggie Johnson & Alison WintgensHelping Your Child with Selective Mutism: Practical Steps to Overcome a Fear of Speaking, by Angela E. McHolm, Charles E. Cunningham & Melanie K. VanierTackling Selective Mutism, editedby Benita Rae Smith and Alice Sluckin

Child Mind Institute: https://childmind.org/guide/teachers-guide-to-selective-mutism/

A comprehensive teacher’s guide to SMExplains how SM might present in the classroom, and how to differentiate it from other conditions (such as autism)Offers tips and strategies for teachers on how to: approach parents if they think a child might have SM; encourage children with SM to participate in class; and more

Selective Mutism Information and Research Association (SMiRA): http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/information/information-for-professionals/

Provides helpful leaflets on SM with information specifically for Health and Education professionals, all available for download, including:

What is SM – Primary School: http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/info-what-is-sm-primary-school/

Planning a Transition to Secondary School: http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/info-planning-a-transition-to-secondary-school/

Do’s & Don’ts at Pre and Primary School: http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/info-dos-donts-at-pre-and-primary- school/ http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/info-dos-donts-at-secondary-school/

The Older Child or Teen with Selective Mutism:

http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/info-older-children-teens/

Guidance for Special Arrangements and Exemptions from School Exams:

http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/info-exam-guidance/

  • Also has a Facebook Professionals group for health and education professionals working with or wanting to find out more about Selective Mutism.

KidsHealth: https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/selective-mutism-factsheet.html

  • Provides helpful information on SM, for schools and teachers
  • Describes “what teachers should know” and “what they can do” to help students with SM

We Are Teachers: https://www.weareteachers.com/selective-mutism/

  • Gives a good overview of SM, with advice tailored to educators
  • Provides links to other helpful online resources at the end of the article

Selective Mutism: https://www.selective-mutism.com/index.php

SMart Center: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/whatisselectivemutism/

  • Gives a comprehensive overview of SM for parents and teachers, covering topics including:
    • What behaviour characteristics does a child with Selective Mutism portray in social settings?
    • What are the most common characteristics of children with Selective Mutism?
    • Why is it so important to have my child diagnosed when he/she is so young?
    • If parents suspect their child has Selective Mutism, what should they do?

Selective Mutism Association (SMA):

BOOKS

The following books are recommended by SMiRA. For the full list, see:

http://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/resources/recommended-reading/

The Selective MutismResource Manual (Second Edition), by Maggie Johnson and Alison Wintgens

 

Selective Mutism: An Assessment and Intervention Guide for Therapists, Educators & Parents, by Aimee KotrbaThe Selective Mutism Treatment Guide: Manuals for Parents, Teachers and Therapists: Still Waters Run Deep, by Ruth Perednik

VIDEOS

Selective Mutism: Tips for Teachers (by UCLA Health, featuring Dr. Lindsey Bergman, Child Psychologist and Director of the UCLA Child OCD Intensive Treatment Program): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Znt4I3u7Y1M

What is Selective Mutism? (by We Are Teachers): https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=K2VFx_iOnxQ&feature=emb_title