Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary Schools
Few studies have explored the views of children and young people (CYP) with selective mutism (SM), and even less is understood regarding their experiences in relation to the support that they receive within school. Across three case studies, direct interviews with CYP with SM attending mainstream se...
Saved in:
| Main Authors: | , |
|---|---|
| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
MDPI AG
2025-07-01
|
| Series: | Behavioral Sciences |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/7/947 |
| Tags: |
Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
|
| _version_ | 1849406591389925376 |
|---|---|
| author | Sophie Walker Caroline Bond |
| author_facet | Sophie Walker Caroline Bond |
| author_sort | Sophie Walker |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Few studies have explored the views of children and young people (CYP) with selective mutism (SM), and even less is understood regarding their experiences in relation to the support that they receive within school. Across three case studies, direct interviews with CYP with SM attending mainstream secondary school were conducted non-verbally, aiming to explore their current experiences of school and support. Subsequent interviews were conducted with the CYP’s key stakeholders, including parents/carers, school staff, and professionals with ongoing involvement. These interviews aimed to build on information shared by the CYP. Analysis highlighted the importance of individual experiences and support, relationships with peers and trusted adults, collaboration, communication across the setting, and importantly, a secure understanding of SM across the school setting. Clear implications for school professionals emerged. Future research should continue to work toward the exploration and development of knowledge and understanding of SM and gather the experiences of a wider range of CYP and families. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-d70e250df10443e7ad1d4ced18c80438 |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2076-328X |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Behavioral Sciences |
| spelling | doaj-art-d70e250df10443e7ad1d4ced18c804382025-08-20T03:36:19ZengMDPI AGBehavioral Sciences2076-328X2025-07-0115794710.3390/bs15070947Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary SchoolsSophie Walker0Caroline Bond1Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UKManchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UKFew studies have explored the views of children and young people (CYP) with selective mutism (SM), and even less is understood regarding their experiences in relation to the support that they receive within school. Across three case studies, direct interviews with CYP with SM attending mainstream secondary school were conducted non-verbally, aiming to explore their current experiences of school and support. Subsequent interviews were conducted with the CYP’s key stakeholders, including parents/carers, school staff, and professionals with ongoing involvement. These interviews aimed to build on information shared by the CYP. Analysis highlighted the importance of individual experiences and support, relationships with peers and trusted adults, collaboration, communication across the setting, and importantly, a secure understanding of SM across the school setting. Clear implications for school professionals emerged. Future research should continue to work toward the exploration and development of knowledge and understanding of SM and gather the experiences of a wider range of CYP and families.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/7/947selective mutismchildren and young people’s experiencessecondary schoolsupportprogress |
| spellingShingle | Sophie Walker Caroline Bond Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary Schools Behavioral Sciences selective mutism children and young people’s experiences secondary school support progress |
| title | Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary Schools |
| title_full | Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary Schools |
| title_fullStr | Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary Schools |
| title_full_unstemmed | Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary Schools |
| title_short | Exploring the Experiences and Current Support of Children and Young People with Selective Mutism Within Mainstream Secondary Schools |
| title_sort | exploring the experiences and current support of children and young people with selective mutism within mainstream secondary schools |
| topic | selective mutism children and young people’s experiences secondary school support progress |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2076-328X/15/7/947 |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT sophiewalker exploringtheexperiencesandcurrentsupportofchildrenandyoungpeoplewithselectivemutismwithinmainstreamsecondaryschools AT carolinebond exploringtheexperiencesandcurrentsupportofchildrenandyoungpeoplewithselectivemutismwithinmainstreamsecondaryschools |