Selective Mutism

Hi!  I have a 4 year old son who I suspect may be Selectively Mute.  He was in preschool last year and only spoke to his teacher once.  He is in Pre-K now and it is the same thing.  He has spoken to his teacher once so far.  His teachers tell me that he talks to his classmates and he really gets into singing songs.  He always tells me how loudly he sings.  He loves going to school and to new environments.  He just can't speak to adults.  He makes eye contact and will nod his head yes or no.  He can still talk to me (and his dad, siblings, and grandmom) while other people are around.  He doesn't shut down and clam up.  He just seems like a normal friendly kid who is not shy.  He just can't speak to other adults. I am wondering if his is a mild case of SM?   I am waiting for the child psychologist to get back from vacation to speak with him but in the meantime I was wondering what exactly happens in therapy.  If he won't speak to other adults, he is not going to speak to a therapist.  Any advice would be appreciated!!

Thank you in advance!
Heather

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Treatment of selective mutism generally involves a coordinated effort among the parents, mental health clinician, speech/language pathologist, school personnel and, of course, the child. One important feature of such tretament is to ensure that all parties are 'one the same page', so to speak, about the approach they are using with the child. Generally the approach is to be patient and supportive, rewarding the child's use of language, and refraining from pressuring the child or using any coercive tactics. Development of a behavior modificatuion regimed can be part of treatment, and the contribution of the therapist can be important in this regard. Turnaround re: change in behavior can be long in coming. I once worked with a selectively mute child for six-seven months before he ever spoke in the therapy situation, but then his progress was steady.