Israeli Teachers and Expressive Therapists Understanding of Selective Mutism

Abstract

Selective mutism (SM) is a disorder originating in anxiety in which a child between the ages of 3 and 5 years does not speak at school but speaks at home. This study used art-based research with phenomenological qualitative inquiry to understand the perspectives of professionals in the Israeli school system who work with children diagnosed with SM. The researcher facilitated a professional workshop for 13 participants to broaden their knowledge and investigate their opinions. They learned about the disorder and created artwork illustrating their feelings about working with these children. Outcomes showed that participants felt isolated and alone, and the group setting held a space for them to better understand how to work with children with SM.

Keywords

• elective mutism
• professional workshop
• communication
• teacher’s expressive art therapist