Presenter(s)

• Camille Baguley, Preventing and Reducing Symptoms of Selective Mutism in Elementary School

Abstract

Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder characterized by the inability to speak in situations in which speaking is expected. For children in elementary school, SM often presents as being partially or completely mute at school, while being able to talk freely and comfortably with family members at home (Wong, 2010). SM can contribute to various academic and social problems for children, and if left untreated, anxiety symptoms can continue into adulthood (Mulligan et al., 2015; Wong, 2010). It is therefore important that elementary school personnel are educated about the signs of SM and are aware of the academic challenges faced by children with SM as well as the support services and interventions that are available to them. School psychologists can play an integral role in the treatment and prevention of SM by educating community members about how SM may present at school and coordinating with teachers to implement school-based interventions. This literature review explores the impact of SM and the role of school psychologists in identifying, preventing, and treating symptoms of SM.