Be Your Own Superhero: A Case Of A Young Boy With Selective Mutism And Complex Comorbidities

Keywords

communication disorder; selective mutism; separation anxiety disorder; social anxiety

Abstract

This case study outlines the treatment of a 5-year-old Caucasian male who presented with symptoms of selective mutism (SM) along with significant impairment related to comorbid anxiety and speech difficulties. To address these symptoms, Integrated Behavior Therapy for Selective Mutism (IBTSM) was utilized for the treatment of this young boy’s SM and comorbid anxiety. An attachment focus was incorporated as a framework for conceptualizing his SM symptoms. As the treatment of this young boy’s symptoms proceeded, it became clear that his underlying speech difficulties needed to be addressed as well, as these difficulties were preventing expected progress to occur. Thus, this young boy’s treatment was individualized to fit his unique difficulties. In shifting the treatment focus to “being brave like a superhero,” significant decreases were achieved in this young boy’s overall internalizing and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)-related anxiety symptoms, facilitating a successful transition to speech and language therapy. This case study is distinctive in its description of the complexities that may come along with treating symptoms that appear consistent with SM along with other comorbid conditions and nuanced circumstances.

Publication Date

10-1-2018

Publication Title

Clinical Case Studies

Volume

17

Issue

5

Number of Pages

348-365

Document Type

Article

Personal Identifier

scopus

DOI Link

https://doi.org/10.1177/1534650118791038

Socpus ID

85052221928 (Scopus)

Source API URL

https://api.elsevier.com/content/abstract/scopus_id/85052221928

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