Treatment of Selective Mutism: A Best-Evidence Synthesis
School Psychology Quarterly
Pionek Stone, B., Kratochwill, T. R., et al. (2002).
School Psychology Quarterly, 17(2), 168-190.
This review investigates the effects of behavioral, biological, or combination treatment approaches on communication in children with selective mutism.
Spencer Foundation
Not stated
Not further specified
114
<div>Overall, treatment led to positive outcomes in verbal communication for children with selective mutism. Successful treatment programs included:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>programs with an emphasis on applied behavior analysis (e.g., positive reinforcement, contingency management, shaping, stimulus fading); and</li>
<li>programs using combined behavioral approaches (e.g., modeling with positive reinforcement).</li>
</ul>
<div>No differential effects were found between these two models. The effectiveness of other programs, including those utilizing desensitization techniques or social skills training, could not be determined due to a lack of quantifiable data. Additional research is indicated. </div>
</div>
