When Do I Seek Out a Treating Professional and What Would One Do to Help My Child?

One of the most common questions asked of SMG from parents and teachers alike is about treatment and finding the right provider for your selectively mute child. What kinds of treatment can help with SM? What kinds of interventions are proven to work? How do I locate a provider who really understands SM?

Dr. Kristen Eastman, a treating psychologist and also a parent of a SM child, will help you understand what treatment methods are out there, such as psychotherapy, speech and language therapy, OT and medication. More importantly, she will help you understand when you may need to seek out these services for YOUR child. She will also help you learn in more detail what to expect when you take your child to see a psychologist for SM and what interventions may be used to help your child make progress.

Dr. Eastman is a clinical psychologist who is on staff at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in their Center for Pediatric Behavioral Health. There, she treats children with selective mutism and childhood anxiety disorders, helping them to learn the coping skills and social problem-solving skills needed for change. She resides in Cleveland, Ohio with her husband and two daughters. Her eldest daughter has struggled with selective mutism and made great strides, now fully communicative both at school and outside of school. Dr. Eastman became involved in SMG in 2006 and now serves on the Board of Directors helping to spread awareness about SM.