We provide speech therapy online for children, adolescents and adults with selective mutism.
We are a registered NDIS provider and use an inclusive approach to therapy, where the person can be in the comfort and familiarity of their own home.
How can speech therapy benefit people with selective mutism?
Speech therapy can be highly beneficial for individuals with selective mutism, which is a complex anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent inability to speak in certain social situations despite speaking in other contexts (like at home). Here are several ways speech therapy can help:
1. **Assessment and Diagnosis**: A speech-language pathologist (SLP) can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to understand the severity of the selective mutism, the individual’s speech and language skills, and any co-occurring issues (such as anxiety or speech delays).
2. **Creating a Safe Environment**: Speech therapy provides a safe, supportive space for individuals to express themselves without pressure. This can be crucial for someone with selective mutism, as the therapy setting can help reduce anxiety associated with speaking.
3. **Building Communication Skills**: SLPs can teach other forms of communication, such as nonverbal communication, gestures, or alternative communication methods. This can help the individual feel more comfortable communicating in various situations.
4. **Gradual Exposure**: Through gradual exposure techniques, therapy can help individuals face the anxiety-inducing speaking situations step-by-step. For example, starting by speaking in front of trusted individuals before progressing to larger or less familiar groups.
5. **Coping Strategies**: Speech therapy can provide strategies to manage anxiety related to communication. This includes relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and strategies for building confidence and self-esteem.
6. **Social Skills Training**: Many individuals with selective mutism also have difficulties with social interactions. Speech therapy can incorporate social skills training to improve conversational abilities, understanding social cues, and fostering peer relationships, making it easier for the individual to participate in social situations.
7. **Collaboration with Other Professionals**: Speech therapists often work closely with psychologists, educators, and family members to create a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses both the communication needs and the underlying anxiety or social challenges.
8. **Family Involvement**: SLPs can educate and involve family members in the therapy process, providing strategies to support the individual in reducing anxiety and encouraging communication at home and in social settings.
By addressing both communication skills and the anxiety associated with speaking, speech therapy can play a pivotal role in helping individuals with selective mutism improve their ability to communicate and interact with others effectively.
Services for children, adolescents and adults
We have speech therapists who work with children, adolescents and adults, and we have therapists who have experience with selective mutism. Read more about our therapists here.
NDIS registered provider
We are a registered NDIS provider and work with self-managed, plan-managed and agency-managed clients.
If your are an NDIS provider or support coordinator we can provide reliable speech therapy for clients with selective mutism in any location. Refer a client and we’ll connect you to the right clinician.
Is online speech therapy effective?
Yes! A growing body of evidence shows that online delivery of therapy can be as effective as face to face. Online therapy has many other benefits too, including being convenient and accessible for people in regional and rural areas.
How does online speech therapy work?
At Umbo online therapy is not just zoom plus business-as-usual. It’s much more diverse than simply videoconferencing. Umbo therapists provide an individualised approach to each person, using the latest evidence, and a variety of technologies and engagement techniques.
Umbo champions person-centred therapy. It means the person and their family/support people leads the conversation. We believe that the most effective therapy occurs when support is given in the environment where the person lives, learns, works or plays. Therefore we work with the family, and teach skills to you or to other supporters. This means you’re achieving real-life goals, rather than just achieving goals in a clinic.
We are a certified social enterprise helping Australian families access allied health services.