Preschoolers with Selective Mutism: Transitioning to School

Selective Mutism is a condition that severely restricts a child’s capacity for communicating verbally outside the home and typically occurs at the rate of 1 in every 200 children in primary school and much more frequently in preschool-aged children. It is a treatable anxiety disorder, but generally requires 1 to 2 years of treatment in order to resolve.

The transition to school for preschoolers with Selective Mutism is often a stressful and difficult process and raises many questions for caregivers and parents. There are many factors to consider around such a transition such as educating the primary school and teachers about Selective Mutism, and preparing the child for the transition.

What's Covered What is Selective Mutism Understanding children’s ‘Stage of Communication’ in SM Strategies for the last term of preschool that will prepare a child for school What information to give to the primary school about SM Placement with an appropriate classroom teacher The importance of peer relationships Strategies to build the child’s readiness for the transition Strategies for the teacher and school about Selective Mutism including education for all school staff Common issues and questions

Best Suited For Preschool teachers or caregivers caring for a child with Selective Mutism or an extremely reluctant talker who is starting primary school next year Primary school kindergarten teachers who will have a child with Selective Mutism entering their class next year Learning Support staff Family members of a child who has Selective Mutism who will be starting school next year Speech Pathologists School Psychologists

📅 Event Details: Date: Thursday, 7th November 2024 Time: 6 pm to 7:30 pm (Sydney Time) Price: $80 Additional Participants: $50 each (when booked together) Early Bird Price: $60 until 26th September 2024 Registration Ends: 6th November 2024

This is a public event open to the whole community.