Considerations for Neuropsychological Testing for Children with Selective Mutism

Matthew S. Pagirsky, PsyD, is a clinical neuropsychologist in the Learning and Development Center at the Child Mind Institute and is a New York State certified school psychologist. He specializes in the neuropsychological evaluation of children, adolescents and young adults with learning, behavioral and social-emotional challenges.

Dr. Pagirsky completed his neuropsychological training in diverse academic medical settings across New York City. He values working closely with children and their families to ensure they feel listened to and supported throughout the neuropsychological evaluation. Dr. Pagirsky’s background in school psychology allows him to collaborate with teachers and school-based professionals to tailor specific academic, behavioral and social-emotional interventions that enhance a child’s functioning. In addition, Dr. Pagirsky has experience consulting with advocacy organizations and educational attorneys in order to obtain appropriate academic supports and services for children and their families.

Dr. Pagirsky has provided psychotherapeutic treatment to children and adolescents with anxiety, mood disorders and ADHD in outpatient psychiatric and community mental health settings. As vice president of a school-based mental health special interest group for psychologists and mental health practitioners, Dr. Pagirsky has broad knowledge of the application of psychotherapeutic interventions appropriate for the school setting. In addition to his clinical duties, Dr. Pagirsky teaches and supervises school psychology graduate students in psychoeducational assessment.

Dr. Pagirsky has published original peer-reviewed research on the academic profiles of children with learning disabilities, ADHD and language disorders. Dr. Pagirsky has also conducted numerous workshops, talks and poster presentations related to executive functions, educational outcomes following neuropsychological evaluations, and emotion regulation. He regularly conducts full-day workshops to teachers, counselors and social workers at the New York City Board of Education.

Rachel Busman, PsyD, ABPP is the senior director of the Anxiety Disorders Center and director of the Selective Mutism Service at the Child Mind Institute. She leads a team of clinicians providing evaluation and innovative treatment to children with selective mutism. Dr. Busman is the immediate Past-President of the Selective Mutism Association, the nation’s largest network of professionals, families, and individuals with selective mutism.

Dr. Busman has extensive experience providing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to children, teenagers and young adults struggling with anxiety disorders, school difficulties and behavioral problems. She also has specific interest and expertise in the evaluation and treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder and specific phobias.

Dr. Busman has worked with children in both inpatient and outpatient settings at a major academic medical center, where she directed a multidisciplinary team. She has taught and supervised psychiatry residents and child psychiatry fellows, and lectured extensively on a variety of topics, including the evidence-based assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders in children and teens.

Dr. Busman works intensively with children who have selective mutism, and is dedicated to establishing trust and instilling a sense of hope in her patients as she helps them on their path to recovery.