This manual effectively tackles a subject for which there are few practical guidelines and will enable professionals to feel more confident about their involvement in assessment and intervention plans. It combines a thorough review of approaches with a comprehensive assessment and intervention framework to meet the needs of selectively mute children (characterised by a failure to speak in certain social situations, such as school) and those who work with them, including parents.

For children whose difficulties do not merit specific intervention there is much of value in terms of general advice. I particularly like the section on frequently asked questions and accessible summaries of information. In another section the 10 levels of “confident talking” are clearly linked with appropriate goals relevant to each of these levels and these could be easily included in individual education plans.

The appendices (some photocopiable) provide additional support materials, further enhancing the value of the resource. I warmly recommend this manual to health and education colleagues.

Andrew Burnett

Andrew Burnett is chief speech and languagetherapist (education) atPlymouth Primary Care Trust