We are excited to announce the following study on Selective Mutism:
Assessing Speech and Language skills in Children with Selective Mutism
Co-investigators: Evelyn Klein Ph.D, CCC/SLP & Elisa Shipon-Blum DO
**This study will take place at the Selective Mutism Anxiety Research and Treatment Center in Jenkintown, Pennsylvania (NE of Philadelphia).
Frequently Asked 'Study' Questions
This study has crucial implications for treatment of children suffering from selective mutism and for development of appropriate school-based accommodations and intervention.
Children with selective mutism become mute and have great difficulty communicating when anxiety is high and comfort level is low. Social anxiety causes children to lack initiative in speaking. Some children are sent to speech-language therapy with a diagnosis of an expressive language disorder when in reality it is the child’s anxiety that is causing the communication impairment symptoms. Differential diagnosis is needed. More accurate information is essential to determine if a child with selective mutism has an accompanying speech-language disorder that is impacting effective communication. Proper diagnosis is necessary so that the child can receive proper school accommodations and interventions. A false or missed diagnosis often leads to inappropriate school placement and misdirected treatment
"Based on clinical data at the SMart Center, children with SM who have a S/L disorder, tend to have either an expressive language disorder or a mixed receptive/expressive language disorder. Symptoms tend to be exacerbated when anxious, such as a social setting where the child feels an expectation for speech or communication. However, the KEY is if a child has symptoms, when comfortable, such as at home, in their 'safe' environment as well as in social settings, then the child most likely does have a S/L difficulty. Since anxiety can mask many disorders, such as S/L disorder, if the symptoms exist solely in anxious settings and NOT in the home or safe environment, then the child's S/L symptoms (of hesitating with responding, saying 1-2 words in response to a question, having difficulty with open-ended questions, etc is most likely ANXIETY-induced and NOT an innate S/L disorder." Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum
Aims of Study (More detailed objectives)
To determine the incidence of communication disorders among sample of children with SM.
To determine if the child’s speech-language difficulty is anxiety-based or an actual receptive / expressive speech-Lang. disorder.
To determine if parents can effectively administer selected speech-language tests to their children suspected of having SM
Study Methodology
View Parent Consent Form for study details
Eligibility:
Children must be between 5-12 years of age
Child must have formal diagnosis of Selective Mutism
A child with a past diagnosis of SM, but the child no longer meets criteria for SM are ineligible.
Child must present with parent to the SMart Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Interested in signing up for the study?
Flyer for study