The SLP’s Guide to Selective Mutism: Assessment Strategies and Diagnosis

Selective mutism (SM) negatively affects children’s pragmatic language, academic, and social-emotional skills, and falls under the speech-language pathologist’s scope of practice. This presentation will review the role of the SLP in assessing and diagnosing students with SM, provide assessment strategies and examples of specific tools, and review how to interpret results to set meaningful goals.

Explore Course

Selective mutism (SM) is a complex, anxiety-based disorder that significantly impacts a child’s ability to speak in certain settings, often in school or with unfamiliar people. While SM is typically diagnosed by psychologists or psychiatrists, its effects on pragmatic language, social participation, and academic access make it a vital area of involvement for speech-language pathologists (SLPs). This webinar is designed specifically for SLPs seeking to better understand their role in identifying, assessing, and supporting students with SM in a school-based setting.

Participants will explore the defining features of SM, its prevalence, and the ways in which it interferes with communication development and classroom engagement. Emphasis will be placed on the SLP’s unique contributions to the assessment process, including how to recognize red flags, select appropriate tools, and conduct meaningful evaluations—even when verbal responses are limited. Strategies will be shared to help SLPs navigate the challenges of evaluating speech and language skills in children who are unable to speak in testing environments.

The session will also address how to interpret assessment results to develop functional, evidence-based goals and will walk participants through sample case studies. Attendees will leave with practical tools for assessing SM, a clearer sense of when to refer to other professionals, and a stronger understanding of how to contribute as part of an interdisciplinary team. Whether you’re new to SM or looking to refine your evaluation practices, this course will provide the clarity and confidence needed to support students with selective mutism effectively.

Review the other courses in this series:
The SLP’s Introduction to Selective Mutism - What Is It and What’s My Role?
The SLP’s Guide to Selective Mutism: Evidence-based Treatment Techniques

All courses will be available on demand by July 15, 2025.

Presenters

Emily Laracy
M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP
Emily R. (Doll) Laracy, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP/L is a school-based speech-language pathologist and adjunct professor. Emily has worked extensively with students from preschool through high school with selective mutism in 1:1 treatment, intensive week-long treatment programs, school-based settings, and in consultative roles. She currently serves as the speech pathologist representative and secretary of the Selective Mutism Association's Board of Directors. She is the author of the book Treating Selective Mutism as a Speech-Language Pathologist along with several webinars on the same topic. Her research interests include the role of anxiety and mental health on speech and language development, trauma-informed care, and the benefits of co-teaching models.

Learning Objectives

Describe characteristics of selective mutism and the speech-language pathologist's role in assessing selective mutism.
Discuss assessment considerations and tools.
Carry out an effective assessment protocol to determine the student's strengths and areas of need.

Agenda

5 minutes	Introduction and disclosures
5 minutes	Brief review of characteristics of SM, red flags
5 minutes	SLP’s role in working with students with SM
10 minutes	Basic assessment procedures and considerations
10 minutes	Assessment tools
10 minutes	Interpretation of assessment results, making the diagnosis
5 minutes	School-based supports, modifications, and accommodations
10 minutes	Using results to determine goals, set up treatment plan

Disclosures

Financial Disclosures:	Emily Laracy is the author of Treating Selective Mutism as a Speech-Language Pathologist as well as several webinars on the topic of SM, and receives royalties from these publications. Emily Laracy is receiving an honorarium for this course.
Non-Financial Disclosures:	Emily Laracy is a member of the Selective Mutism Board of Directors.
Content Disclosures:	Emily Laracy has no additional content information to disclose.

ASHA

This course is offered for .1 ASHA CEUs, Intermediate Level, Professional Area

The SLP’s Mini Series on Selective Mutism: From Awareness to Intervention: $65.00
This practical mini-series includes 3 courses and equips school-based SLPs with the confidence and tools to support students with selective mutism. Learn to identify red flags, conduct effective assessments, and implement evidence-based interventions that enhance real-world communication. Includes access to the recorded series and optional ASHA reporting.