Bjorem Speech® DIR-SM Selective Mutism Speech Therapy Deck – Developmental DIR-Based Cards for Anxiety-Driven Non-Speaking Kids

The DIR-SM Program is designed to support individuals with Selective Mutism (SM) by helping to identify their position in the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs) speaking hierarchy and guiding them through various activities to verbal communication. Selective Mutism is an anxiety-based disorder, often accompanied by other challenges. Due to its complexity, a comprehensive treatment approach like DIRFloortime is essential. This approach addresses all aspects of the disorder including: 1) Social Emotional Development (D): Developing emotional and social skills. 2) Individual Differences (I): Considering speech/language disorders, sensory processing, issues, motor planning difficulties, and visual perceptual problems. 3) Relationships (R): Building relationships at home, school, and in the community. The Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDC) of Selective Mutism include: FEDC 1: DIR Regulation: The child is frozen or non-speaking FEDC 2: DIR Engagement: The child may gesture or nod their head to communicate. FEDC 3: DIR Purposeful Two-Way Communication: The child may begin to whisper or make environmental sounds (e.g., laughter, car and truck noises, baby crying, animal sounds). SSSS: Systematic Sound Sequencing Strategy (SSSS): The SSSS helps move the child toward two-way communication through body noises, silly sounds, environmental sounds, and speech sounds. FEDC 4: DIR Shared Social Problem Solving: The child is mostly verbal, but may continue to struggle with social problem solving, sequencing, and organizing play. 73 cards total 4"x4" cards Author: Dr. Joleen R. Fernald

• Support for Selective Mutism Through DIRFloortime – This 73-card deck is based on the DIR model, helping children move from non-speaking to verbal communication by addressing social-emotional development, individual differences, and relationship-building.
• Follows the FEDC Speaking Hierarchy – Guides intervention using the Functional Emotional Developmental Capacities (FEDCs), including regulation, engagement, purposeful communication, and social problem solving.
• Includes SSSS: Systematic Sound Sequencing Strategy – Helps children gradually build speech through body noises, environmental sounds, and silly or speech-like sounds as a bridge to verbal interaction.
• Designed for Therapists, Educators & Families – Ideal for professionals and caregivers supporting individuals with anxiety-based disorders like Selective Mutism, with a focus on developmental and relational progress.
• Portable & Easy to Use – Includes 73 high-quality 4”x4” cards for flexible use across therapy sessions, classrooms, or home environments—making intervention approachable and engaging.