Title

Incorporating Technology Into The Treatment Of A 17-Year-Old Female With Selective Mutism

Keywords

selective mutism; social skills; treatment

Abstract

Selective mutism (SM) is a relatively rare disorder and is most commonly found among young children. Children and adolescents presenting with SM and its associated features (e.g., social anxiety, social skills deficits) are often challenging to treat, and recent data suggest that SM is characterized by heightened levels of autonomic arousal, often coupled with behavioral avoidance. In this report, we present the case of Nina, a 17-year-old Caucasian female diagnosed with comorbid SM and social anxiety disorder. Standard intervention designed to treat social anxiety disorder (i.e., intensive exposure based on an extinction paradigm) met with a minimal response and no changes in speech behavior. Reconceptualization of the treatment approach led to a decision to focus directly on speech using a graduated exposure (desensitization) paradigm. To create an emotional response incompatible with anxiety, initial desensitization sessions used Apple iPad applications that allowed for engagement in amusing tasks and the pairing of vocalization with positive emotions. Traditional social skills training constituted the final treatment component. Advantages and limitations associated with the various treatment modalities used are discussed as well as recommendations for future clinical research. © 2013 The Author(s).

Publication Date

8-1-2013

Publication Title

Clinical Case Studies

Volume

12

Issue

4

Number of Pages

291-306

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650113483357

Socpus ID

84880403017 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/84880403017

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