Got a student who clams up the second they walk into school—but you know they’ve got a ton to say? This episode of SLP Coffee Talk is your go-to guide for helping students with selective mutism find their voice (and maybe even belt out some Taylor Swift at lunch 🎤)

We’re hanging out with Emily Laracy, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP, school-based SLP, SM expert, board member of the Selective Mutism Association, and total rockstar when it comes to helping our quietest kids shine. She’s sharing her tried-and-true strategies for getting students talking—from baby steps like yes/no responses to full-on classroom convos.

Bullet Points to Discuss:

• What is SM?
• Differentiating SM from other disorders
• The role of the SLP in working with SM
• Tips for Assessment
• Tips for Treatment

Here’s what we learned:

• How to gradually build comfort using forced choice and closed-ended questions
• Why shaping behavior in small steps leads to big gains in communication
• Techniques to fade in peers and adults for broader communication
• How “survey walks” around the school create real-world practice
• Classroom strategies to reduce pressure and encourage participation
• The importance of teacher collaboration and consistent expectations

Learn more about Emily Laracy:

Book: Treating Selective Mutism
Email: [email protected]

Learn more about Hallie Sherman  and SLP Elevate:  

📝 Website: https://speechtimefun.com/

🎲✨ Check out the Secondary Secret Podcast here! https://www.speechtimefunpd.com/secret-podcast-signup

Subscribe today and get access to my secret podcast filled with my juicy secrets for planning with ease for secondary speech students. 6 quick episodes that you can quickly listen to and feel refreshed and inspired! https://speechtimefun.com/secondarysecrets