Integrated Behavioral Treatment for Selective Mutism

Selective mutism (SM) is a childhood behavior disorder that interferes with social and educational development. It is characterized by a persistent failure to speak in specific social situations, despite being able to speak in other situations. Children with SM typically speak when they are at home with immediate family, but fail to speak in other settings. Behavior therapy (BT), commonly used for treating anxiety disorders and phobias, is a type of treatment that uses training and desensitization methods to help patients become more comfortable in situations that cause anxiety. Based on available evidence, integrated BT, which involves parents, teachers, and the therapist, may be an effective treatment for SM.

This study will determine the effectiveness of integrated BT in treating children with selective mutism. Enrollment for this study is currently closed.