Seek multi-agency support from outside services and work with the child’s family to devise an individualised support plan.
Refer for assessment of core speech and language skills if concerned/unsure of skills.
Use of the ‘Sliding in Technique’ detailed in The Selective Mutism Resource and included on the SMiRA website. The steps can be accomplished either in a single session or over 2–3 weeks. This involves an adult (parent or staff member) as the child’s talk partner. Activities are completed on a regular basis within the child’s talk partner in a safe and quiet area of the setting. The activity should be simple and involve something that the child enjoys and is familiar with (e.g. a favourite game or book from home). As the child becomes confident, their tolerance to another person gradually coming closer and joining the activity (‘sliding in’) is increased.
Carefully support the child’s transition to school.
Further information about selective mutism can be found at selectivemutism.org.uk.