Unlocking the Mystery of Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety – Aimee Kotrba

• Build assessment-based treatment plans that work
• Master practical, easy-to-implement techniques for increasing communication
• Design a specific, individualized treatment plan
• Develop successful accommodations for the school setting
• Differentiate selective mutism from autism or defiance

The abilities to communicate needs, socialize, work in groups, and make friends are desperately needed to succeed in elementary school and beyond. Children with untreated selective mutism are at an increased risk for self-esteem issues, depression, school failure, social skill problems, and school refusal. Early and evidence-based therapeutic intervention is of the upmost importance to decrease anxiety and increase communication in children with selective mutism. Through the use of case studies and video examples, you will learn how to identify and assess for selective mutism and what school and mental health professionals can do to help. Interventions are broken down into small, easily understood steps that you can immediately use with patients or students. You will practice role-plays to learn practical techniques for increasing speech and helping children control their anxiety.

Aimee Kotrba, Ph.D., uses interactive discussions and humor through stories and anecdotes to describe the process of treatment and her years of experience working with children with selective mutism. Discover useful ways to intervene with even the most difficult cases. Leave not only with a specific, successful treatment plan for your individual cases but also with the knowledge to teach others in your workplace or community about selective mutism.