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The Selective Mutism Resource Manual (Second Edition)
Maggie Johnson & Alison Wintgens, 2016
Speechmark Publishing Limited
Considered to be the UK’s No.1. treatment manual for selective mutism. Note: This is the second edition published in 2016.
‘This unique manual has been authored by two speech and language therapists working in two different services: child and adolescent mental health and community health, and comes out of their experiences of advising parents and professional colleagues. Selective Mutism emphasises practical assessment and treatment, advice and information, filling a significant gap in the availability of suitable resources in this field.’
The Selective Mutism Workbook for Parents and Professionals: Small Steps, Big Changes
Maggie Johnson & Junhua Reitman, 2023
A Speechmark book, published by Routledge
Companion to the best-selling ‘Selective Mutism Resource Manual 2E (above). This workbook provides hands-on Activities, Strategies, planning sheets and progress trackers for use with children with selective mutism at home, at school and in the wider community. Written by selective mutism expert Maggie Johnson and parent coach Junhua Reitman, the workbook includes first-hand accounts of how children can overcome SM successfully using the Activities and Strategies described in this book.
Available in hardback, paperback, and ebook / Kindle
Can I Tell You About Selective Mutism?
Maggie Johnson & Alison Wintgens, 2012
Jessica Kingsley Publications
A great inexpensive ‘starter’ book for anyone new to selective mutism. Royalties to SMIRA.
Meet Hannah – a young girl with Selective Mutism (SM). Hannah invites readers to learn about Selective Mutism from her perspective, helping them to understand what it is, what it feels like to have SM, and how they can help. This illustrated book is packed with accessible information to help family, friends and teachers support a child with the condition and is also a great place to start when encouraging children with SM to talk about how it affects them.
Tackling Selective Mutism
Edited by Benita Rae Smith and Alice Sluckin, 2015
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Bringing together the latest research and understanding on selective mutism, this edited book gives essential information on the various treatment and therapy options. Experts in the fields of speech therapy, psychology, music therapy and education and communication specialists offer a wide range of professional perspectives on the condition. The book also clarifies what support a person with selective mutism is likely to need at home, school and in social situations. Key reading for professionals such as speech and language therapists and those working with selective mutism in therapeutic and educational settings, as well as family members wanting to learn how they can help.
Call Me Lion
Camilla Chester 2022
Ten-year-old Leo dreams of performing in the West End. His love of dancing is getting him through the Luton heatwave, but his selective mutism is putting his spot in the end-of-summer dance show on the line. When chatty Richa moves in next door, Leo finds it easy to bond with her. She talks enough for the both of them… at least to begin with. But when he learns her secret it’s clear that Richa needs Leo’s support as much as he needs hers. With Richa’s help, will Leo be able to follow his dreams? Or will Leo’s inability to talk cost him their friendship? A heart-warming story of courage and determination in the face of adversity, perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Lisa Thompson, Stewart Foster and Elle McNicoll.
That Question
Jania Williams 2021
The story of a young girl’s experience with selective mutism – a complex anxiety related condition that renders its victims mute in select situations (typically at school). In order to survive school, the girl adopts non verbal forms of communication. She yearns to be accepted by her peers and to participate at school. Resillient and courageous, the girl manages to enjoy school generally. But there is one question that she dreads. It is the question that makes her crumble. It is the question that shines a spotlight on her, illuminating her difference to her peers.
Being Brave with Selective Mutism: A Step-by-Step Guide for Children and Their Caregivers
Lucy Nathanson 2020
Selective mutism can be tricky to manage. This workbook helps you and your child formulate a plan for exposure activities, and breaks down talking into attainable steps. It includes examples of games to play while practicing talking and offers sample dialogues to illustrate how to do exposures. Pairing a system of rewards along with the exposures helps your child through the challenge of dealing with those uncomfortable feelings. It discusses different situations and places where talking can be difficult and introduces two children, Emily and Jackson, who are both working hard to tackle their selective mutism.
Packed full of activities, worksheets and helpful strategies, this book makes putting in the work of being brave around talking fun!
My name is Ben and I don’t talk sometimes
Lucy Nathanson 2020
My name is Ben and I don’t talk sometimes is a story about a child’s experience of selective mutism, in his words. Ben takes us on a journey of how he feels across situations – at his birthday party, with people he’s unable to talk to, on playdates and at school. Through the story, we also learn that Ben’s best friend has a fear of swimming and by taking small steps he works to overcome this. Ben shares, in a child-friendly way, his feelings around talking and interwoven into the story is the intervention of how he begins to make steps forward.
My name is Eliza and I don’t talk at school
Lucy Nathanson 2018
This beautifully illustrated and positive book is an excellent aid and therapeutic tool for both therapists and parents of primary-age children with selective mutism. Selectively mute children who are aged 6 years and over can also read this book themselves or with an adult. The book opens with a section for adults to read before presenting the story to the child, explaining how best to use the book and the therapeutic approach to helping children with selective mutism, as well as including useful discussion questions. Eliza’s charming story then follows. In the first half, Eliza describes how she feels in different situations, both at home and at school – feelings that will resonate with many children with selective mutism. In the second half, we discover how she begins to overcome her fear with small steps and easy methods that parents and therapists can adopt.
Why doesn’t Alice talk at school?
Lucy Nathanson 2019
Why doesn’t Alice talk at school?” is a beautifully illustrated book that can be read to peers to help them to understand selective mutism. The book starts with a section for adults, and the story for children follows. Reading this book creates a space for adults to have a conversation with peers about selective mutism, to answer their questions, and to explain in a child-friendly way how they can support their friend. Children with selective mutism are often fearful of how peers would respond if they were to talk. Naturally, it is a very exciting moment when a child speaks for the first time; however, making a fuss may halt the child’s ability to continue to use their voice. This book can be used as a tool to help peers to understand selective mutism, and to explain important messages which will help to create a supportive class environment for the child with selective mutism.
Can’t Talk? Want to Talk!
Jo Levett & Stephen Street, 2014
Routledge
When outgoing Lily meets a little girl who is too afraid to talk in school or other places outside of her home, she befriends the silent girl, their friendship grows, and the silent girl feels comfortable enough to talk to her new friend. This beautifully illustrated story book is for children with selective mutism to see that they can make a friend like Lily. It is also a helpful tool for parents, friends and teachers of children with selective mutism to understand why these children are unable to talk in certain settings, and to explore some strategies that may help reduce their anxiety around speaking. Jo studied for a Masters Degree in Speech and Language Sciences and qualified as a Speech and Language Therapist at University College London in 2006. Since then she has worked with children in a range of home, clinic and educational settings and currently combines NHS and independent work.
Silent Children – approaches to Selective Mutism
Rosemary Sage & Alice Sluckin, 2004 (Limited stock)
Book £10.00
To purchase or for further information, please:
Selective Mutism: An Assessment and Intervention Guide for Therapists, Educators and Parents
Aimee Kotrba, 2014
PESI Publishing & Media
Selective Mutism: A Guide for Therapists, Educators, and Parents provides an effective, research-based behavioral intervention plan for the successful treatment of Selective Mutism. This book provides intervention strategies for all team members, as well as a comprehensive treatment plan that can be individualized to any child. The techniques included emphasize a gradual, stepwise approach to increased speech, as well as fun and engaging activities that can be used at each step of treatment.
Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism: Practical Steps to Overcome a Fear of Speaking
Angela E. McHolm, Charles E. Cunningham & Melanie K. Vanier, 2005
Newharbingerpublications, inc.
This book offers a broad overview of the condition and reviews the diagnostic criteria for the disorder. The book details a plan you can use to coordinate professional treatment of your child’s disorder. It also explains the steps you can take on your own to encourage your child to speak comfortably in school and in his or her peer group. All of the book’s strategies employ a gradual, ‘stepladder’ approach. The techniques gently encourage children to speak more, while at the same time helping them feel safe and supported.
The Selective Mutism Treatment Guide: Manuals for Parents, Teachers, and Therapists: Still Waters Run Deep
Ruth Perednik, 2012
Jerusalem. Oaklands
This guide is aimed at professionals and lay people alike: For parents and relatives of children with SM it offers a valuable resource to understand the condition, with programs and tools to help the child at home and at school in order to improve his verbal and social communication. For mental health and school based professionals it provides a guide which enables the reader to understand and treat the disorder, working closely with the school and the parents.
Supporting Quiet Children:
Exciting Ideas & Activities to Help ‘Reluctant Talkers’ Become ‘Confident Talkers’
Maggie Johnson & Michael Jones, 2012
Lawrence Educational
With a detailed introduction explaining reasons behind shyness and reluctance to talk in early years settings, this 52 page A4 book offers 40 tried and tested activities to boost social skills and confidence in sensitive or shy children who have extreme anxiety about talking. Help children to find their voice in a fun and exciting way.
Please note this book is aimed at helping all quiet and shy children and is not specifically about selective mutism.
Selective Mutism in Our Own Words: Experiences in Childhood and Adulthood
by Carl Sutton and Cheryl Forrester
Jessica Kingsley Publishers
Paperback: Publication Date – 21.12.15
An eye-opening and enlightening collection of stories from people living with Selective Mutism (SM), this book provides a much-needed platform for people with SM to share experiences of the condition in their own words. Exploring all aspects of SM, from symptoms and diagnostic criteria, to triggers and the consequences of being psychologically unable to speak, the stories in this book dispel the myths around this often misunderstood condition. Far from refusing to talk, or choosing not to, the contributors offer genuine insights into why they simply cannot speak in share experiences of feeling isolated, struggling at school, and finding ways to communicate. Letting people with SM know that they are not alone with the condition, the book will also help family, friends and professionals to understand what it is like to live with SM.
Helping Your Anxious Child: A Step-By-Step Guide for Parents
Ronald M. Rapee
This expanded and updated version of a best-selling classic guides readers to help a child overcome anxiety and fears. It describes in detail strategies and techniques they can combine into a comprehensive self-help programme for a child’s particular needs. From separation anxiety to general anxiety, social anxiety, specific phobia and panic disorder, the book describes the common types of childhood anxiety, how anxiety originates, and options for dealing with the problem, with or without a therapist’s help.
In this updated version, the progression of chapters reflects the authors’ clinical programme, in which major skills are introduced early and then are consolidated and built upon in later chapters. Throughout, the book employs a step-by-step approach that is both structured and directive. Written activities are incorporated throughout the chapters, some intended for the child and others for his or her parent to complete.
Maya’s Voice
by Wen-Wen Cheng
Maya is a bright-eyed, inquisitive little girl who loves to share her sweet voice. But when she starts school, she loses the confidence to use her voice and goes about her school day in silence. With time, patience, understanding, and love from all those around her, Maya discovers her sweet voice.
My Friend Daniel Doesn’t Talk
by Sharon Longo
When outgoing Ryan meets Daniel, a boy who is too afraid to talk in school or other places outside of his home, he befriends the silent boy, defending him in school to the other children. Their friendship grows, and Daniel feels comfortable enough to talk to his new friend. Ryan’s tendency to ‘talk too much’ enables him to help Daniel in the classroom, and he hopes for the day when his friend will be able to talk in school so that the other children may get to know the ‘real’ Daniel. In the meantime, he is willing to continue to be a friend to Daniel until that day.
This beautifully illustrated story book is for children with severe shyness, social anxiety or selective mutism to see that they can make a friend like Ryan. It is also a helpful tool for friends of children like Daniel to understand why these children are unable to talk in certain settings.The theme – of accepting others who are different while trying to emphasise with them – is a universal one, and therefore this book may be enjoyed by all children aged from 4 to 8. While the story should not be read to the class while the child is present or without his or her permission, this book is an invaluable tool for teachers trying to understand selective mutism, and wanting to explain it to their students.
The Loudest Roar
by Clair Maskell, 2017
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Angus has a fantastic roar. It is so loud, it gives his Dad a headache! But his roar doesn’t always work, leaving Angus feeling sad, angry and alone. This book describes what it can be feel like to have Selective Mutism and how even though you cannot express things in words, you can still do amazing things.
Lola’s Words Disappeared
by Elaheh Bos, 2013
CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
As Lola starts school, something strange happens. Her words disappear! Now Lola must find new ways to give her words the courage to come back. A fun and practical introduction to different techniques of anxiety management, specifically used for children with selective mutism. Most effective when followed up with the activity book. This series explores six anxiety reduction and management techniques. The book was created in collaboration with Dr. Tamara Soles, Psychologist specializing in early childhood.
Lola’s Words Disappeared and Came Back
An accompanying activity book by the same author.
This activity book and journal takes learning into the practical phase by providing questions that generate personal awareness. It reinforces key tools and techniques, and allows Lola’s journey to be a conduit for personal growth.
Fiona Says
By Diana Hendry
These two delightful stories tell of how Fiona, indoors a real chatterbox, makes a friend, finds her tongue and is able to talk outside the home. The second tale concerns one day when everything starts to talk to her, even her satchel!
Little Mouse’s Big Book of Fears
by Emily Gravett
Young children will identify with the little mouse who uses the pages of this book to document his fears – from loud noises and the dark, to being sucked down the plughole. Packed with details and novelty elements including flaps, die-cuts and even a hilarious fold-out map, this is an extraordinary picture book. A useful introduction for talking to young children about their own anxieties.
What to do when you worry too much: A kid’s guide to overcoming anxiety (‘What to do’ guides for kids)
by Dawn Huebner
What to Do When You Worry Too Much is an interactive self-help book designed to guide 6-12 year olds and their parents through the cognitive-behavioral techniques most often used in the treatment of generalized anxiety. Engaging, encouraging, and easy to follow, this book educates, motivates, and empowers children to work towards change. It includes a note to parents by psychologist and author Dawn Huebner, PhD.
The Huge Bag of Worries
Wherever Jenny goes, her worries follow her – in a big blue bag. They are there when she goes swimming, when she is watching TV, and even when she is in the lavatory. Jenny decides they will have to go. But who can help her?
The Huge Bag of Worries was written by Virginia Ironside, one of Britain’s leading agony aunts, and has sold 140k copies to date.
