S - CAT

"S-CAT incorporates anxiety lowering techniques, methods to build self-esteem, and strategies and interventions to help with social comfort and communication progression."*

S-CAT also known as social communication anxiety treatment is the treatment philosophy developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon - Blum. In my previous post I talked about Dr. Shipon - Blum and her research on Selective Mutism. She developed the Selective Mutism Anxiety Research and Treatment Center also known as SMart Center. In my last post I posted and talked about testimonials of people giving her and the center praise. I thought if all of these people were so happy with the center I wanted to know what kind of treatment was being used. On her website I came across S-CAT which is the treatment that is used.
S-CAT is based on the concept that SM is more than just not speaking. Dr. Shipon - Blum created the SM - Stages of Social Comunication Comfort Scale. This describes the various stages of social communication possible for a child suffering from SM. To develop an appropriate treatment plan a complete understanding of the child is necessary. After evaluation of the child three key questions are addressed:

- Why did the child develop SM?

- Why does Selective Mutism persist despite past treatment and parent/teacher awareness?

- What can be done at home, in school, and in the real world to help the child build the coping skills needed to overcome his/her social communication challenges?

To help the child and begin a treatment plan a understanding of what stage the child is at during particular encounters must be developed.  Then treatment is developed with the 'whole child' approach. The child, parents and school personnel all work together to develop a treatment. The time is the therapy office also isn't enough. These strategies and intervention need to be implemented in the real world and school settings. These strategies and intervention are based on where the child is on the Social Communication Bridge.
S-CAT provides choice to the child. Games and goals are used to help develop social comfort and progress into speech.

I though this method of teatment was really cool. It seems to really work with the child and not just their mutism. It gives the child a choice and also involves the school and family. I think giving the child a choice and including the family in the progress will help make the child more comfortable, and also help them be more aware of the treatment.