Selective Mutism An Integrated Treatment Approach

Selective mutism is typically a symptom of an anxiety disorder, requiring treatment in conjunction with mental health professionals. The full impact of the disorder is not usually manifested until the child starts school, and therefore the classroom is frequently where the difficulties are most seriously experienced. Thus, the teacher is often the focal point of the child’s most intense symptoms. Because the child usually feels most safe and relaxed at home, practice of good communication skills can be facilitated through the parents. An SLP is the communication expert who is present in the school, whereas the mental health clinician is usually not in the school on a regular basis. The SLP, with knowledge and skills in effective communication treatments, can assume leadership to coordinate an integrated approach for the child among the school staff. Effective treatment of selective mutism requires a highly refined and consistent response among all significant adults around the child. The treatment team consists of at least five members: the child, the parents, the teacher, the psychotherapist, and the SLP.