Case Study: Selective Mutism in an Immigrant Child

Abstract

Selective mutism is a relatively rare psychiatric disorder that appears to be over-represented in immigrant children. In this article, we describe the treatment of a seven-year-old Mexican immigrant boy diagnosed with selective mutism. The case illustrates how individual and family dynamic hypotheses enhance our understanding of this condition and inform a model of treatment. Discussion focuses on the unique issues of the immigrant family and suggests strategies for intervention.