What is Selective Mutism?

 

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) characterizes Selective Mutism as a consistent failure to speak in social situations in which there is an expectation to speak (e.g., school) even though the individual speaks in other situations. The failure to speak has significant consequences on achievement in academic or occupational settings or otherwise interferes with normal social communication. Children with selective mutism do not initiate speech or reciprocally respond when spoken to by others. Children with this disorder may use nonspoken or nonverbal means to communicate and may be willing or eager to perform or engage in social encounters when speech is not required (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).

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Current Projects:

 

We are currently recruiting for an online survey that collects information related to internalizing, externalizing, and communication symptoms in children diagnosed with Selective Mutism.

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For more information download our flyer:

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Participate Here!

https://unlv.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1TFqDRPGlXmKfQ1

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Treatment:

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Click here to visit our Clinic webpage

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Click here to visit our Treatment Resources webpage

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Selected Publications:

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Diliberto, R., & Kearney, C. A. (2017). Latent Class Symptom Profiles of Selective Mutism: Identification and Linkage to Temperamental and Social Constructs. Child Psychiatry and Human Development, 0(0), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-017-0774-4

 

Skedgell, K. K., Fornander, M., & Kearney, C. A. (2017). Personalized individual and group therapy for multifaceted selective mutism. Clinical Case Studies, 16(2), 166-181. doi:10.1177/1534650116685619

 

Diliberto, R. A., & Kearney, C. A. (2016). Anxiety and oppositional behavior profiles among youth with selective mutism. Journal of Communication Disorders, 59, 16–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcomdis.2015.11.001

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American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders: DSM-5. Washington, D.C: American Psychiatric Association.