ABSTRACT
This chapter may be useful to people who supervise less experienced colleagues as well as those who directly manage selective mutism (SM). It can be used in workshops or on training days to promote understanding of the principles of SM management or for people who need a refresher session. An ongoing team approach involving both home and school is paramount. Sufficient time must be invested in information sharing, joint planning and monitoring to avoid the loss of momentum or the programme being abandoned. Home interventions need to run alongside school-based programmes, to help children overcome their fear of talking with new people both at home and in the community. Young children need very regular contact with a keyworker, in a familiar place, to gradually feel comfortable and confident in their company. There may have been insufficient time to develop rapport before attempting the sliding-in technique or the keyworker may have little understanding of the condition and conveys impatience or insensitivity.
