Selective Mutism

Abstract

Selective mutism (SM) is a persistent and debilitating condition in which a child fails to speak in public situations where speaking is expected. It is commonly linked to social anxiety, mild oppositional behavior, and developmental problems. The assessment of SM can involve various methods but the general goal is to evaluate the parameters and function of a child's failure or refusal to speak. Primary assessment methods include interviews, questionnaires, behavioral observations, and formal testing. Treatments for youths with SM are designed to increase the audibility and frequency of speech in public contexts, such as school. Common treatments include exposure‐based practices integrated with stimulus fading, self‐modeling, as well as shaping and prompting. Supplementary procedures include social skills and language training, anxiety‐management techniques, parent‐based contingency management, and family therapy.