SPREADING THE WORD ABOUT SELECTIVE MUTISM
Given the public’s relatively limited awareness and understanding of selective mutism, Dr. McHolm is very committed to “spreading the word” through education. In addition to a multiple session workshop series she offers twice annually (i.e., September – December; April – June) to parents and professionals in the Hamilton, Ontario area, Dr. McHolm has developed:
1) an intervention skills-training workshop for parents & professionals of varied backgrounds (e.g., educators; speech & language pathologists; mental health professionals) designed to provide a thorough understanding of the condition, basic intervention principles, and hands-on practice in developing intervention plans.
2) single session informational workshops for parents/professionals on
special topics related to selective mutism
(e.g., social relationships and the child with selective mutism)
3) a web page that overviews the condition, summarizes the available research literature, and provides some suggestions regarding how best to support the child with SM. The webpage also includes downloadable information sheets that parents can share with others and a listing of written resources that can provide further information to interested parties.
4) a companion manual of forms and resources that provides various information sheets (e.g., overviewing characteristics of selective mutism, stages of overcoming selective mutism) can be shared with others and a variety of monitoring forms for tracking a child’s progress in overcoming selective mutism.
McHolm, A. (2005). Helping Children Overcome Selective Mutism: A Manual
of Forms & Resources. Hamilton, Canada: McMaster Children’s
Hospital.
Available for purchase through the Children’s Hospital.
