The  SM Stages of Social Communication Comfort Scale© created by Dr. Shipon-Blum describes the various stages of social communication that are possible for children suffering from Selective Mutism.
The Social Communication Bridge®  illustrates this concept in a visual form.

Understanding where someone is along this bridge at all times is a key factor in determining the best treatment strategies and interventions in any given setting.

NON-COMMUNICATIVE -  neither non-verbal nor verbal. NO social engagement.

STAGE 0 - NO Responding, NO initiating

• Child stands motionless (stiff body language), expressionless, averts eye gaze, appears 'frozen,' MUTE

• Seemingly IGNORES person while interacting or speaking to other(s). MUTE towards others

 For communication to occur, Social Engagement must occur

 

 COMMUNICATIVE(Nonverbal and/or Verbal*)

*TO ADVANCE FROM ONE STAGE OF COMMUNICATION TO THE NEXT, INCREASING SOCIAL COMFORT NEEDS TO OCCUR.

 

STAGE 1 - Nonverbal Communication: (NV)

• 1A Responding -pointing, nodding, writing, sign language, gesturing, use of 'objects' (e.g. whistles, bells, Nonvoice augmentative device (e.g. communication boards/cards, symbols, photos)
• 1B Initiating -getting someone's attention via pointing, gesturing, writing, use of 'objects' to get attention (e.g. whistles, bells, Non-voice augmentative device (e.g. communication boards/cards, symbols, photos)

STAGE 2 - Transition into Verbal Communication (TV)

• 2A Responding -Via any sounds, (e.g. grunts, animal sounds, letter sounds, moans, phonetics etc.): Verbal Intermediary® or Whisper Buddy; Augmentative Device with sound, (e.g. simple message switch, multiple voice message device, tape recorder, video, etc.)
• 2B Initiating -Getting someone's attention via any sounds, (e.g. grunts, animal sounds, letter sounds, moans, phonetics, etc.): Verbal Intermediary® or Whisper Buddy; Augmentative Device with sound, (e.g. , simple message switch, multiple voice message device ,tape recorder, video, etc)

STAGE 3 - Verbal Communication (V)

• 3A Responding - Approximate speech/direct speech (e.g. altered or made-up language, baby talk, reading/rehearsing script, soft whispering, speaking)
• 3B Initiating - Approximate speech/direct speech (e.g. altered or made-up language, baby talk, reading/rehearsing script, soft whispering, speaking.