Beyond Selective Mutism: How Exposure Therapies Can be Applied to a Range of Fears
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, meaning that the act of not speaking in certain situations is driven by fear. However, it is not uncommon for individuals with a specific anxiety disorder such as selective mutism to also present with other heightened fears or anxiety disorders. This article examines how the approach to treating selective mutism, which is rooted in principles of exposure therapy, can be extended to other anxieties and areas of avoidance that a child may be experiencing.
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Selective Mutism in Teenagers
Selective mutism can present in younger children as well as older children and teenagers. Though treatment approaches and underlying principles are similar despite age, there are several modifications and additions that can be made in the treatment of teens that may yield a greater likelihood for positive outcomes. This article further explores those differences to provide clarity regarding treating selective mutism in teens.
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What Reinforces Selective Mutism?
Four categories represent the functions of behavior, which provide insight as to why a child may be acting in a certain manner. These functions are: tangibles (attempts to gain an item or privilege), attention (attempts to gain interaction, be it positive or negative, from others), escape (attempts to avoid a feared stimulus), and sensory (attempts to gain physical stimulation or soothing). This article explores the functions of behavior and how they impact the presentation and treatment of children with selective mutism.
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Social Anxiety and Selective Mutism
Although a consensus has yet to be solidified in the research regarding the precise relationship between selective mutism and social anxiety, it is highly common for children and adolescents with selective mutism to also receive a social phobia diagnosis. Fortunately, regardless of whether a child meets criteria for both diagnoses or one, evidence-based treatment for these disorders is relatively similar and rooted in cognitive-behavioral principles. This article explores the interplay between social anxiety and selective mutism and differentiates shyness and typical expressions of anxiety from psychopathology.
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Values-Based Approach to Selective Mutism
This article provides information regarding a values-based approach to selective mutism treatment. For younger children, tangible rewards such as stickers are often highly motivating. With teenagers, tangible rewards in different forms (e.g., earning money towards a larger gift, receiving screen time, etc.) can still be motivating. Nonetheless, there are strategies that can supplement behavioral treatment for teenagers with selective mutism.
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Understanding Contamination in Selective Mutism: Holiday Edition
The word “contamination” has a variety of meanings both within and outside of the mental health field. This article seeks to clarify the meaning of contamination in regard to selective mutism.
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A Behind-the-Scenes Look at School-Based Intensive Programs for Selective Mutism
School-based intensive programs for Selective Mutism (SM) provide an important opportunity for those children with SM to develop confidence and use their brave voices with peers and school professionals. They are hard work; however, done right they can be life-changing experiences that lay the foundation for long term success. In this article, we'll take a behind-the-scenes look at why school intensive programs can be so impactful and how to ensure your child's experience within it is successful.
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Halloween “How To” for Parents of Children with Selective Mutism
Holidays, often filled with commotion and gathering, can be an especially difficult time for children and adolescents with selective mutism (SM). Halloween is no exception, and crowds of strangers that gather on a street may be particularly intimidating. The following article explores several tips and tricks that can be used to prepare your child for the upcoming holiday and encourage bravery on Halloween.
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Navigating the School System: Supporting Children with Selective Mutism
Children with Selective Mutism (SM) face significant speaking challenges at school, which often leads families to underestimate the severity of their child's anxiety until they are exposed to the school environment. Shockingly, treatment for this condition typically starts 2 to 5 years after the difficulties emerge, as many believe the child's silence is merely a phase that they will outgrow. Read more for tips to help your child make progress in the school setting.
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Demystifying Medication: Selective Mutism Treatment Strategies With Medication
Is you child “stuck” after trying therapy, behavioral interventions, or other methods? If so, you may be considering medication as an option to help your child. In this article, we'll provide an overview of how certain medications may be used for treating SM and discuss important considerations related to safety and the effectiveness of these drugs.
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Modeling Bravery for your Child with Selective Mutism
Are you the parent of a child with selective mutism? Learn how to model bravery and manage your own anxiety while helping your child develop coping skills. Find out more from our experts at Thriving Minds Behavioral Health.
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Relaxation Strategies for Children with Selective Mutism
Learn how to reduce the symptoms of anxiety in children with selective mutism. Discover some relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, visualization, and deep breathing that can help improve their overall wellbeing.
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