TPC-Digests-V1-Issues-123

that selective mutism may occur in .7 to 2% of elementary, middle, and high school students, although many researchers agree that these prevalence rates may be underrepresented due to the lack of knowledge of the disorder. The overall lack of quality research and general awareness of selective mutism are serious barriers to helping children who suffer from this disorder. Too often, these children are misdiagnosed or labeled as just shy. Furthermore, there is little consensus among researchers regarding the etiology of selective mutism. Current conceptualizations of selective mutism link the disorder to anxiety, namely social phobia. Although the exact cause of selective mutism is unknown, researchers generally agree that selective mutism does not fall under the classification of speech/language disorders, communication disorders, defiant behavior, autism, or shyness. While a systematic approach has not yet been developed for selective mutism, there are some common goals among varying treatment programs. An initial goal of treatment is to lower the child’s anxiety and develop healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with anxiety. Increasing self-esteem and confidence in social settings is another integral objective of most treatment programs. The final and most evident goal is to increase verbal communication in social settings. This may be achieved through a combination of behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, social skills training, anxiety management education, and family counseling interventions. Pharmacological interventions are not used in isolation, but may be included to reduce anxiety and facilitate CBT or behavioral interventions when a child cannot fully participate in a treatment program. The involvement of family members and school personnel, specifically teachers, is crucial in treatment programs for selective mutism. Recent studies suggest that selective mutism may occur in .7 to 2% of elementary, middle, and high school students TPC Digest