Parent-child interaction therapy for children with selective mutism (PCIT-SM)

Abstract

Selective mutism is a psychological disorder in which children do not speak to others in certain social settings (e.g., school, daycare) even though they are able to speak in other settings, such as at home with family. Treatment options are often limited for children with this disorder due to the young age of onset, low prevalence rate, and type of problematic behavior displayed by the child (e.g., non-disruptive, lack of speech to clinicians). Parent-child interaction therapy (PCIT) has been adapted to fill this gap and to provide appropriate treatment for children with selective mutism. The current chapter includes a description of the clinical presentation of selective mutism as well as the etiology and maintenance of this disorder. Following a discussion of the need for a lateral extension of the original protocol for this population, the chapter describes the adapted PCIT model, including the altered assessment procedures and treatment phases. Information is also provided about medication use for selective mutism. Finally, future areas for research and clinical development regarding the adapted treatment model are discussed.