Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism: Practical Steps to Overcome a Fear of Speaking

by Charles E. Cunningham, Ronald M. Rapee, Angela E. McHolm, et al.

Book Overview

Often described as "social phobia's cousin" and misdiagnosed as autism, selective mutism is a debilitating fear of speaking in some situations experienced by some children. The disorder usually presents in children before the age of five, but it may not be recognized until the child starts school. When requested to speak, children with selective mutism often look down, blush, or otherwise express anxiety that disrupts their engagement with people...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 157224416X
• ISBN13: 9781572244160
• Release Date: August 2005
• Publisher: New Harbinger Publications
• Length: 184 Pages
• Weight: 0.61 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Great Results!!!

We have a 4 year old who did not speak at all in preschool for the first several months. We were very worried about her. Her teacher initially misunderstood her behavior, thinking she was just being uncooperative. I initially consulted the website, [...], and shared the information from it with her teacher. Together we implemented several strategies recommended on the website, including a teacher home visit, and realized some positive, albeit limited, results. I then found this book, and again shared it with her teacher. We had a very clear understanding of SM as a result, and implemented some additional strategies suggested in the book (like another teacher home visit, building on the friendships she had outside of school, being cognizant of classroom seating, etc.). To all of our amazement she is a little chatterbox at school now (same school year)!!! I am incredulous that implementing the simple suggestions on the website and in the book had such dramatic results, and highly recommend the book for parents and teachers of children with this problem. THANK YOU to the authors!!!

Exceptional resource for parents and professionals

As a clinician that has worked extensively in the area of selective mutism, I have read most of the available resources on the topic, and Dr. McHolm's well written and comprehensive book is by far the most valuable. Based upon research findings and the author's years of experience, the book includes information about selective mutism and a detailed, practical description of strategies that can help children become more comfortable speaking. I would strongly recommend this resource to both parents and professionals that are supporting a child with selective mutism.

Outstanding guide for helping children with Selective Mutism

As a psychologist, I am often looking for books to give to parents to help them to understand the nature of their child's difficulties and how to help at home. This book is an excellent resource not only for parents, but also for any professional helping a child with selective mutism. Clear and concise, this book offers a step-by-step outline for treating the selectively mute child. Sensitive to the child's and families experiences, this book is written in such a way that everyone will find it helpful. Thank you to Dr. McHolm and colleagues for an outstanding contribution to the field.

Clear, concise help for your selectively mute child

I've bought nearly every publication about selective mutism available, and this is the best book yet, as it takes into account the most recent research and outlines clear steps for working to help selectively mute children find ways to cope at school and in public. As anyone who knows someone with selective mutism can tell you, there are no magical quick solutions, but this book has a pragmatic optimism that is encouraging to my family.

A Practical Handbook for Parents and Educators alike!

As an Educational Consultant, I am always looking for resources that will help parents support their children, as well as act as professional readings for our teachers. Dr. McHolm's book "Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism" is just such a resource! Dr. McHolm's book is a practical, easy to understand guide that shows a true understanding of both the child's and the school's needs. It takes the parent through the steps that will lead a child with Selective Mutism to talk and interact with others. The case studies and journal examples make it clear to the reader what the "next step" should look like and how to implement it. It also gives parents and teachers simple ways to support these children as they learn to successfully cope with their anxiety of speaking to/in front of others. In the past, little has existed on the topic of Selective Mutism. Dr. McHolm et al have written a comprehensive tool that sheds much needed light onto this topic. It is thoughtful and thought-provoking. A must have for anyone that has a child with Selective Mutism in their life! Sharlene Educational Consultant - Guidance K-12 Ontario, Canada