**THIS COURSE IS PENDING FOR CPE POINTS FOR ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONALS; SUBJECT TO APPROVAL
Overview
Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety condition that significantly impacts participation, learning, and social engagement across settings. Children with selective mutism often have intact language abilities yet experience a profound inability to communicate in specific contexts due to heightened anxiety and nervous system dysregulation. This one-day interdisciplinary workshop provides a comprehensive, practical understanding of selective mutism focused on integrating current research on anxiety, sensory processing, and communication under stress. Participants will explore how sensory sensitivities, environmental demands, relational safety, and communication expectations interact to either support or inhibit a child’s ability to access speech and social communication. Emphasis is placed on neuro-affirming, regulation-based approaches that move beyond behavior-driven or compliance-focused models.
Through case examples, clinical reasoning, and applied strategies, participants will gain tools to:
- Identify selective mutism accurately
- Differentiate it from other communication and developmental profiles
- Assess children without increasing anxiety
- Implement collaborative, child-centered intervention strategies across home, school, and therapy contexts
This workshop is suitable for occupational therapists, speech-language therapists, psychologists, educators, early-intervention professionals, and pediatric clinicians working with children who experience anxiety-based communication challenges.
Course Fees & Closing Dates
| Registration Type | Closing Date | Fees / pax |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird | 1 May 2026 | 350 |
| Normal | Till Full | 380 |
Schedule
Duration : Full-Day Workshop
| Date | Time | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 4 Jun 2026 (Thu) | 9.00am – 4.00pm (Singapore Standard Time GMT+0800) | Live Online Training |
Corporate Registration Individual Registration
Speaker
Maude Le Roux, OTR/L, SIPT, ADHD-RSP, DIR Champion and Expert Training Leader
Course Outline
| 9.00 to 10.15am | Foundations & Neurobiology of Selective Mutism An overview of selective mutism as an anxiety-based condition, including key features, differential considerations, and common misconceptions. This session introduces the neurobiology of anxiety and explains how nervous system responses, particularly the freeze response, affect speech, voice, and participation. |
| 10.15 to 10.30am | Morning Break |
| 10.30 to 12.00pm | Sensory Processing and Regulation An exploration of how sensory processing differences and environmental demands influence anxiety and communication access. Participants will examine sensory contributors in learning and therapeutic settings and learn how predictability, environmental adjustments, and regulation-supportive practices can reduce stress and support participation. |
| 12.00 to 12.45pm | Lunch |
| 12.45 to 2.15pm | Communication Access Under Anxiety This session focuses on how anxiety impacts communication across contexts. Participants will gain insight into why communication may be available in some settings but inaccessible in others and how reducing interactional and linguistic pressure supports meaningful participation through verbal and non-verbal communication. |
| 2.15 to 2.30 | Afternoon Break |
| 2.30 to 4.00 | Assessment, Intervention & Collaborative Practice A practical, integrative session bringing together assessment principles, intervention strategies, and collaborative approaches. Participants will explore how to support children with selective mutism across home, school, and clinical contexts, with attention to cultural considerations and interdisciplinary teamwork. |
Course Objectives
Session 1: Foundations & Neurobiology of Selective Mutism
Participants will be able to explain selective mutism as an anxiety-based, nervous system-driven condition and differentiate it from other developmental and communication profiles commonly seen in pediatric practice.
Session 2: Sensory Processing and Regulation
Participants will be able to identify sensory and environmental factors that contribute to anxiety and reduced participation in children with selective mutism and recognize opportunities to adjust demands to support regulation.
Session 3: Communication Access Under Anxiety
Participants will be able to describe how anxiety impacts communication access across settings and apply strategies that reduce interactional and linguistic pressure to support meaningful participation.
Session 4: Assessment, Intervention & Collaborative Practice
Participants will be able to apply interdisciplinary principles to assessment and intervention planning for children with selective mutism, in collaboration with caregivers across contexts.
Who Can Benefit?
Occupational Therapists, Speech Language Pathologists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Psychologists, Educators
