What is Selective Mutism?
Selective mutism is a childhood anxiety disorder in which a child is unable to speak in certain situations, usually school or in other social situations, despite being able to speak comfortably in other situations, usually at home or with close family members. To meet criteria for selective mutism, the symptoms are causing impairment in daily functioning, usually by refraining from participating socially at school and other social settings with teachers, peers, friends, distant family members, and other adults.
Treatment for Selective Mutism
CEH provides cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), the most widely supported psychological treatment for selective mutism. CBT for selective mutism involves helping the child gradually practice communication behaviors (from non-spoken communication to spoken) while reinforcing and praising these behaviors. These exposures are practiced in the office and in social and school settings in which difficulty occurs. Treatment may also involve learning social skills, challenging anxious thoughts, and practicing relaxation skills.