A case study of an electively mute child

Selective mutism is characterized by the appropriate use of language in certain settings, with a consistent lack of language use elsewhere. The child is often viewed as shy, and it is assumed that the shyness is temporary and will be outgrown. The purpose of this paper is to explore the problem of selective mutism in school aged children for whom silence may extend for many months or even years. Selective mutism will be further defined, and frequency, duration, and a summary of treatment methods will be discussed. A case study that illustrates positive outcomes of a behavioral approach will also be described