Selective Mutism In Early Childhood Education

Qualitative method is using open-ended questioning, non-statistical research techniques, or value-based observations. In this research, three main methodologies are adopted as focus group, distributing questionnaires and conducting personal interviews simultaneously. Methods are all appropriate and contributed to a comprehensive research. The reason is that aim of this research is to acquire an in-depth understanding of

Most children are diagnosed during the first years of schooling, when the child’s teacher is usually the first to bring concerns to the parents/caregivers and the school administration. Often it is not until children enter school and there is an expectation to perform, interact and speak, that selective mutism becomes more obvious. Moreover, when school starts, children also experience difficulties

Proposed research methods are focus group and internet survey. The focus group method would enable researchers to collect multiple opinion about influence factors from candidates. On the other hand, the internet survey method could reach a large group of respondents cost-effectively and would be especially suitable to young adults as they spends the most time

In survey design and administration, there are various approaches, which can be utilized to assess validity and reliability of a survey instrument. These approaches are used to make certain that the survey instrument accurately captures the data that is need as well as provides reliable results of over time (Phillips, Phillips, Aaron, 2013). To assess, the validity and reliability of a survey instrument, researchers conduct a review of validity and reliability during survey pilot testing (Phillips et al., 2013).

In developing surveys and questionnaires, it is important for researchers to determine the best method of delivering the questionnaire to participants. Researchers have several methods available, such as face-to-face interviews, electronic mailing of a questionnaire or telephone interviews survey (Cooper & Schindler, 2011). Each of these delivery methods has positive and negative aspects. For instance, although delivery by mail or telephone questionnaires are the popular methods of data collection, both methods provide similar advantages, including access to a variety of participants, lower costs with collecting data, and an increase in

In this case, the student SLT would liaise with an educational psychologist who could aid with implications (Johnson and Wintgens, 2001) selective mutism may have on JM at nursery and at school in the future.

Facilitating focus groups, interviews, allowed us to strengthen our qualitative research skills. As an outsider, the qualitative process was the most enjoyable to me. I was able to learn their way of living, strengths and challenges of their community. The process of creating the pretest and posttest surveys collectively was a challenge, yet another beneficially learning experience. I realized effective surveys take time to develop and need to be reviewed by multiple people. Developing poorly constructed questionaries’ is highly possible if no one takes the time to actually

Assessment tools such as the Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ) and the Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised, can be completed by caregivers to garner information on their child’s level of communication and anxiety (Busse & Downy, 2011). By completing the assessments, suggestions for treatment can take place. In addition to questionnaires, a functional analysis of SM generally involves interviews, behavioral observations and daily logs (Kearney & Vechhio, 2006). Looking at SM in a school setting, it can interfere with a child’s ability to interact with other students and have an active voice within the classroom. SM not only hinders a child’s social interaction and growth, but it delays the development of appropriate oral reading and

My proposed area of study for my dissertation is to look at and explore the phenomenon of Selective Mutism as it appears in children. I will specifically be examining the symptoms of this behavior utilizing a variety of cognitive and behavioral theories. Contemporary forms of treatment for SM will also be researched in my dissertation. Through the totality of my research I will be able to draw conclusions and report my findings to the psychological community. These findings will provide insight on how to detect, diagnose, and treat this rare, but serious condition.

In order to effectively support the Selective Mutism child, there is a need to provide classroom support, along with, awareness of the disorder of parents, school psychologist and teahers Through training programs. Selective Mutsim children refuse to verbally participate with the teacher and peers in the classroom. Consequently, when teachers try to interact with the SM child difficulties for the teacher and child arise. In fact, not only does the disorder make it difficult for child as well as the teacher, but it affects the SM child’s peer interactions, academic progress and prevent teachers from educatining the SM child. Furthermore, the SM child does not have a language comprehension problem and communicates in the home in a normal fashion(Laimbock,

However there is good news and that is that with the right help and the right amount of time and effort kids with selective mutism get better.

This disorder is important to me for two reasons: 1) my adopted granddaughter has Selective Mutism, and 2) there is very little awareness about the disorder and especially in education. Since this disorder is not well known and usually diagnosed incorrectly as shyness rather than an anxiety disorder by primary care physicians, this hampers this population from getting immediate treatment. Moreover, what is strange, at home, the child does not manifest this anxiety disorder and speaks in a normal fashion (Harwood, & Bork, 2011). To adequately support the Selective Mutism child, there is a need to provide classroom support, along with, teacher, parents, and school psychologist awareness. An intensive training program for all teaching staff and educational psychologist is needed to accomplish this. (Shipon-Blum,

The demographics questionnaire was designed specifically for this research. The following nine items were included:

Social justice can be applied in all the expressive therapies, but I want to focus on how it can be applied for psychodrama with selectively mute children. I choose this topic because I am very interested in this research and I feel as though we did not get to go into detail about this topic in class. In our readings, there were a few sections that mentioned this client population, but I wanted to do more research to see if the expressive arts would be a good fit for the beginning stages of getting to know these clients. I am currently being trained in working with selectively mute children in my internship. The training is coming for a cognitive-behavioral model, but there are components

In survey method research, participants answer questions administered through interviews or questionnaires. After participants answer the questions, researchers describe the responses given. In order for the survey to be both reliable and valid it is important that the questions are constructed properly. Questions should be written so they are clear and easy to comprehend.