Selective Mutism: Your Resource to Understanding a Child with SM

A Live, Online Event

This online event will be presented by Joleen Fernald, MS CCC-SLP on December 10th from 1-4 pm (EST).
Hosted by OT Advantage.

Course Description

Recent literature has identified selective mutism as more prevalent than previously thought. Once considered a rare childhood anxiety disorder, selective mutism's frequency was recently estimated to be nearly as common as Autism. Because selective mutism impacts not only a child's social emotional development, but also communication and sensory processing skills, it warrants the attention of mental health treating practitioners, speech language pathologists, occupational therapists, and educators.

This presentation will provide an overview of the assessment and treatment process for a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to working with children with Selective Mutism as indicated in current literature and evidence-based practice.

Learning Objectives

The learner will be able to:
1. List the five criteria used in the DSMIV for a diagnosis of SM.
2. Name the members of a multidisciplinary team appropriate for children with SM.
3. Identify three methodologies commonly used in the treatment of SM. CE Credit: 3.0 hours
Course Sponsor: OT Advantage, LLC

Course Presenter

Joleen Fernald is an SLP and a PhD student studying infant mental health and developmental disabilities. She is the New Hampshire Selective Mutism Connections Coordinator and was elected to the Selective Mutism Group’s Board of Directors in 2007. Joleen recently partnered with Easter Seals NH to begin a multi-disciplinary assessment and treatment clinic specifically for selective mutism. She has a special interest in the social emotional development of young children and its relationship on their speech and language skills. Joleen is national speaker and, in addition to selective mutism, has presented on the topics of childhood Apraxia of speech, Autism Spectrum Disorders, and Visual Supports. Most importantly, she is a mother of two daughters, the eldest of whom has mostly overcome her selective mutism.

Who Can Attend

Occupational Therapists or COTA
Physical Therapists or PTA
Speech Language Pathologists
Social Workers
Parents
Teachers (including special education and early
childhood special education)
Psychologists
Case managers
Childcare staff
Early childhood staff
Pediatricians
Nurses
Nurse practitioners

Sign-Up Information

You can sign up for this event at www.ot-advantage.com, or print out and fax/mail in the enrollment form included in the flyer below.

For more information, including registration information, please download the full event flyer.