Understanding Selective Mutism | Candice Powell-Caldwell | TEDxNewarkAcademy

Relatively little has been studied or written about Selective Mutism (SM), a childhood anxiety disorder (characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings) affecting approximately 1 in 140 children in the United States. Educators often ignore selectively mute children, or label them defiant or “just really shy.” Unfortunately, many parents of SM children dismiss this widely misdiagnosed disorder as a phase. Without proper recognition and understanding of its causes, however, most children do not outgrow Selective Mutism. Instead, they go years without speaking, interacting appropriately, or developing key social skills.

Passionate about community outreach and the promotion of educational equity, Candice Powell-Caldwell is an accomplished educator with more than twelve-years experience teaching in New Jersey and New York City independent schools. In 2013, she was awarded the Stanton Foundation Grant for demonstrating “Innovation in Civic Education.” Currently, Powell-Caldwell is the Director of Equity and Inclusion at Newark Academy (NA) located in Livingston, NJ.

Beyond school life, Powell-Caldwell is an active consultant, speaker and workshop facilitator, conducting training sessions and providing guidance for schools and community organizations committed to equity and inclusion. She is a three-time presenter at the National Association of Independent School’s People of Color Conference, and she has also  presented at the New Jersey Association of Independent School's Biennial Conference and the National Association of Independent School's annual conference.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx

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