Episode #298: What You Need to Know About Selective Mutism with Chelsea Gamache

Selective mutism isn’t a choice, defiance, or simply being shy. It’s about being unable to speak when speaking is socially expected because anxiety can make communication feel incredibly difficult.

Chelsea Gamache brings such an important perspective to this topic, both as a BCBA and as someone diagnosed with selective mutism at age five. We talk about what selective mutism can actually look like, including whispering, using an altered voice, or communicating freely at home while being unable to speak at school or in the community.

One of my biggest takeaways is the importance of meeting learners where they are. We can use behavioral principles like positive reinforcement, gradual exposure, shaping, stimulus fading, and visual supports, but we also have to understand the anxiety component. Communication should never become something we pressure out of a learner.

#autism #speechtherapy

Today’s Guest:

Chelsea Gamache is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst practicing in Massachusetts. She was diagnosed with Selective Mutism at age five. Chelsea hosts Outloud the Selective Mutism Podcast and wrote the children’s book ‘I Am Brave’ which both aim to spread awareness and resources to families, teachers, and professionals. Chelsea has also volunteered at Selective Mutism intensive treatment programs at Child Mind Institute and Boston Child Study Center and served on the Selective Mutism Association Board of Directors for 2 years.

What’s Inside: