When evaluating an individual with Selective Mutism, it is important to consider chronological age, developmental level, co-occurring diagnoses, and stage of social communication (Shipon-Blum, 2002). These factors will dictate how treatment should be structured (Shipon-Blum, 2017). Registering for this webinar allows you to: explore the unique treatment needs of children, teens, and young adults, learn how to best tailor the overall treatment plan and specific strategies and interventions to promote engagement and communication progress, and discover how individuals of different age ranges may present in treatment, with a specific focus on children ages three to five, ages six to nine, ages ten to thirteen, teenagers, and young adults. Utilizing case examples, Dr. Shipon-Blum will review specific treatment interventions for these age ranges and discusses how these interventions are best implemented at home, in school, and in public settings.
Learning Objectives:
• Identify generalities in how children and adolescents with SM present, and how they respond to treatment, based on their age.
• Describe the roles that chronological age, developmental level, co-occurring diagnoses, and stage of social communication play in treatment planning.
• Identify how to best tailor the overall treatment plan, and specific interventions, to promote engagement and communication progress based on age.
• Describe typical social interactions and peer interactions for children with SM at different ages, as well as how children and teens with SM may present in school and in the community.
About The Presenter:
Elisa Shipon-Blum, D.O., is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center (SMart Center) located in Jenkintown, PA, and she is the Director of the Selective Mutism Research Institute (SMRI), a foundation established to study Dr. Shipon-Blum’s theories and treatment methodologies on SM. She is the founder of CommuniCamp™, the intensive group treatment and family training program for children and teens with Selective Mutism. She is the Founder and Director Emeritus of the Selective Mutism Association (SMA). In addition, Dr. Shipon-Blum is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology and Family Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Shipon-Blum practices in Jenkintown, PA, and developed the evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®) from her years studying and researching individuals with SM. She consults worldwide with families, treating professionals, and educators, and she has helped over six thousand children from around the world overcome SM.
Registrants receive a link to join the webinar one week prior to the session. Registration includes a video recording of the presentation, slides, and handouts. For those who cannot attend live, registration is still encouraged since the video recording is included. Registration cost is $100 for the Early-Bird Special ($125 after November 1). ASHA CEUs available. To signup, visit https://fs4.formsite.com/smartcenter/form122/index.html
