A behavioural intervention for selective mutism in an eight-year-old boy

Abstract

Although the prevalence of selective mutism is low it is nevertheless likely that most educational psychologists will encounter it from time to time in school or other settings. This paper presents an overview of selective mutism and describes an individual case study with an eight-year-old boy of normal intelligence. A behavioural programme carried out within school addressed his difficulties. The intervention was partially successful, although there were problems operating the programme with other family members, thereby limiting its successful generalisation across all settings. The complexities of family dynamics that may arise in cases of this kind and that may impede the complete resolution of the difficulties are discussed.