Evaluating and treating children with selective mutism (SM) presents challenges. These children have the ability to speak but may not do so in social situations where they feel uncomfortable and are expected to speak. A substantial number of children with SM have speech-language deficits and vocal tension, affecting their ability to vocalize and verbalize. To determine a child’s actual communication abilities and plan appropriate treatment, it is important to conduct a comprehensive evaluation with expressive output. This webinar describes a validated evaluation procedure and treatment methods to improve vocal output, enhance meaningful verbalizations, and expand language in individuals with SM.

Learning Objectives: *identify a validated evaluation method and steps to assess speech, language, and voice in individuals with selective mutism

• describe vocal control techniques to facilitate vocalization and verbalization in children with selective mutism
• identify and describe three strategies to expand receptive and expressive language for children with selective mutism