I did a Google search on selective mutism and found it's a childhood anxiety disorder that has a high incidence among immigrant children with a minority first language. So, Rod's student belongs to a high risk group.
It seems the first step should be referral for diagnosis by the teacher and the development of a treatment plan in conjunction with a counsellor and parents. A key recommendation in the literature is that the child be made to feel as relaxed and secure as possible in the classroom. Strategies include pairing the child with a student who is outgoing or placing him in a small group to encourage speech. Another strategy is self-modelling where the student uses a video recording at home to practice answering questions provided by the teacher. I believe you are already doing some of this in the classroom but It looks like it could be a slow process. Good luck!
It seems the first step should be referral for diagnosis by the teacher and the development of a treatment plan in conjunction with a counsellor and parents. A key recommendation in the literature is that the child be made to feel as relaxed and secure as possible in the classroom. Strategies include pairing the child with a student who is outgoing or placing him in a small group to encourage speech. Another strategy is self-modelling where the student uses a video recording at home to practice answering questions provided by the teacher. I believe you are already doing some of this in the classroom but It looks like it could be a slow process. Good luck!
Bibliography
Shipon-Blum, E. (n.d.). What is selective mutism? Retrieved from http://www.selectivemutismcenter.org/media_library/what ism.pdf
Camposano, L. (2011). Silent suffering: Children with selective mutism. The Professional Counsellor. 1(1), 46-56. Retrieved from http://tcpjournal.nbcc.org/wp-content/uploads/Camposano-Article.pdf
Hi Dianne,
ReplyDeletethank you for researching into that! It's good to know that we are using some of the suggested strategies!
I'll see you soon!
Rod