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Selective Mutism

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Assessing and Treating Low Incidence/High Severity Psychological Disorders of Childhood

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Abstract

Selective mutism (SM), a rare disorder of childhood, is characterized by a complete lack of speech in at least one particular social situation (i.e., in the classroom), despite the ability to speak in other situations. Although clinical cases of SM have been documented since around the time of 1877, the marked and consistent selectivity in speaking continues to perplex parents, teachers, and peers. Over the last decade, there has been much speculation about the causes of SM. However, the rarity and heterogeneity of this disorder has made it difficult for clinicians to assess, diagnose, and treat. Some of the varied etiological explanations for SM include family dynamics, trauma, genetic vulnerability, oppositional behavior, and anxiety. However, to date, there is no known single cause for SM. Many treatment options are available for children with SM including different behavioral interventions (contingency management, systematic desensitization, self-modeling), cognitive-behavioral therapy, family therapy intervention, and pharmacotherapy. Continued research is vital in order to advance our current understanding of this disorder so that children suffering from SM can be assessed and treated in the most efficacious manner.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Graduate Program in School Psychology, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA

    Stefan C. Dombrowski (Professor & Director)

  2. Department of Graduate Education, Leadership and Counseling, Rider University, 2083 Lawrenceville Road, Lawrenceville, NJ, 08648, USA

    Karen L. Gischlar

  3. Department of Educational Psychology, University of Alberta, 6-135 Education North Bldg., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

    Martin Mrazik

Authors
  1. Stefan C. Dombrowski
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  2. Karen L. Gischlar
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  3. Martin Mrazik
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  4. Andrea Krol
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Correspondence to Stefan C. Dombrowski .

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Dombrowski, S.C., Gischlar, K.L., Mrazik, M., Krol, A. (2011). Selective Mutism. In: Assessing and Treating Low Incidence/High Severity Psychological Disorders of Childhood. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-9970-2_8

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