Innovative Analyses and Interventions in the Treatment of Selective Mutism

Abstract

The authors present a successful, 25-session, multidimensional intervention for the treatment of selectivemutismin a 6-year-old male with a 1-year observational follow-up. They also include an evaluative review of the extant literature of the treatment of selective mutism from 1950 to the present. Their assessment approach utilized behavioral, cognitive, systems, and psychodynamic components. Treatment efficacy was assessed through videotaped observation of behavioral time-samples of the client during therapeutic interaction, self-report, parental report, and real-time behavioral observations at school. Results indicated a significant increase in verbal behaviors during therapy sessions, paired t(17) = 2.31, p= .033. In addition, the client was observed to be verbally interacting with peers and teachers at school at 1-year follow-up. These results suggest that the authors’ multidimensional approach to the treatment of selectivemutismmay offer a successful, brief intervention for those families in which parents decline use of pharmacotherapy in a child.

Could Selective Mutism be Re‐conceptualised as a Specific Phobia of Expressive Speech? An Exploratory Post‐hoc Study

“…It is possible that both samples contained individuals whose selective mutism took an unusual form. However, it is also possible that interpretations of children's behaviour in the literature have been influenced by the methods of data collection, mainly clinic‐based assessment (Dummit et al, 1996; Kee, Fung, & Ang, 2001; Lysne, 1995), supplemented with parent and/or teacher questionnaires (Carlson et al, 1999; Cunningham et al, 2004; Jackson et al, 2005). By observing children in the natural environments of home and school it was possible to see the children's behaviour in a different light.…”

Practitioner Review: Psychosocial interventions for children with selective mutism: a critical evaluation of the literature from 1990–2005

“…After six months of treatment and at six‐month follow‐up the child was speaking in school in a manner consistent with her peers. Jackson, Allen, Boothe, Nava, and Coates (2005) used a combination of systematic desensitization, shaping, relaxation training, parent journaling, and play therapy to treat a six‐year‐old boy with SM. After 25 sessions, the child was speaking normally in the classroom.…”

Treatment of Selective Mutism: Applications in the Clinic and School Through Conjoint Consultation

“…Therefore, more work that addresses the needs of school personnel by equipping them with the knowledge needed to assess and treat this disorder perhaps in the form of treatment manuals is warranted. These manuals should include information regarding the most evidence-based treatment of SM (Viana et al, 2009) along with information regarding anxiety reduction and other treatment approaches, such as modeling; cognitive restructuring; modular cognitive behavior therapy; and pharmacotherapy (Fung, Manassis, Kenny, & Fiskenbaum, 2002;Jackson, Allen, Boothe, Nava, & Coates, 2005;Kehle, Madaus, Baratta, & Bray, 1998;Reuther, Davis, Moree, & Matson, 2011), which may augment customary treatment techniques. This information could be disseminated to school professionals who can use it to advance the current knowledge base on the treatment of SM.…”