DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01589-8">
 

An updated characterization of childhood selective mutism: Exploring clinical features, treatment utilization, and school services

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2025

Department/School

Psychology

Publication Title

Child Psychiatry & Human Development

Abstract

Selective mutism (SM) is a severe but understudied childhood anxiety disorder. Most epidemiological research on SM was conducted decades ago and is limited by small sample sizes. This study analyzes parent-reported clinical data from 230 children with diagnosed and suspected SM to provide current information about the presentation of this disorder. Overall, anxiety and social anxiety symptoms were elevated. Gender ratio, comorbidities and family history of psychopathology were generally aligned with previous research. However, age of onset and diagnosis were both earlier than previously reported, with an average delay of 2 years between onset and diagnosis. The majority of children received therapy and school accommodations for their SM, yet there was large variability in types of interventions. This is the largest survey of children with SM conducted primarily within the US and it constitutes the first systematic inquiry into interventions and accommodations received within clinical and school settings.

Comments

C. R. Freedman-Doan in a faculty member in EMU's Department of Psychology.

*K. Boneff-Peng and P. C. Lasutschinkow are doctoral students in EMU's Department of Psychology.

+Z. A. Colton is an EMU student.

Link to Published Version

DOI: 10.1007/s10578-023-01589-8

Link to Full Text

EMU Library Accessibility Request

Share

COinS