Ms. Thorvald, a high school teacher, called me to describe Sophia, a student in her class with selective mutism, a complex anxiety disorder characterized by a consistent failure to speak in social situations where speech is expected—like school. It is described as a “disorder” in the DSM-5, the “Bible” of describing mental health problems.
Traditional Treatments for Selective Mutism
Sophia had “suffered” from selective mutism from age six. She spoke only to certain members of her family—even then not consistently—but never to anyone outside the home.
She had been in therapy for years, attended special classes at school, and successfully avoided any verbal interaction with teachers or other students. She was steadily falling behind academically and socially.
Ms. Thorvald asked me how she should treat Sophia. “Are there any techniques I should know?” she asked.
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