CSD Student Awarded Scholarship, Presents Treatment Strategies for Selective Mutism

SLP Graduate Clinician, Amanda Puentes, was awarded a scholarship to attend the national Selective Mutism Group Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida, October, 2012. She used this opportunity to gain knowledge needed to present treatment methods (along with Kelsey Benham) in Dr. Sylvia Diehl's Pediatric Language Disorders class. The talk began with an introduction to selective mutism which included symptoms, DSM IV criteria, and how they differentiate symptoms from routine shyness. The presentation provided interaction suggestions for teachers and parents that can lessen children's anxiety and fear. Also, current and upcoming treatment techniques were discussed, such as sliding in (new communication partners), traditional shaping, using technology with shaping, and an intensive Adventure Camp. A very well received  interactive treatment demonstration was provided to allow the class to view a hypothetical treatment session using iPad technology applications in shaping communicative behaviors. (Photo by imagerymajestic from freedigitalphotos.net)