Why don't they talk? What we know about selective mutism and how to help children overcome it

Experts Connect with HelpMeSara

Sara Dimerman in conversation with Psychologist, Dr. Jemma Helfman, on what we know about selective mutism and how to help children overcome it. Over the course of this episode you will learn more about:

• What selective mutism means
• How it differs from mutism
• Some of the reasons that children become selectively mute
• Whether there's a typical age at which selective mutism occurs
• Whether selective mutism is something that most educators and parents are familiar with and if not, what they might think is happening with their child or student when they don’t talk
• Whether children with selective mutism typically don't talk both at home and school
• The best approach to treating selective mutism
• The availability of therapists who treat selective mutism across Canada
• What parents can do to help
• Whether it's advisable for a child to be told about his/her diagnosis

Dr. Jemma Helfman recommends:

• The Feelings Place
• Confident Kids Camp Toronto
• Selective Mutism Association
• Dr. Steven Kurtz in New York is one of the leaders in the field and there are lots of videos for parents on his website.
• Confident Kids Camp Michigan