Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026
06:35
Examining Recall Memory in Infancy and Early Childhood Using the Elicited Imitation Paradigm
Published on: April 28, 2016
Narrative skills in children with selective mutism: an exploratory study
Alison McInnes1, Daniel Fung, Katharina Manassis
1The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
American Journal of Speech-Language Pathology
|February 22, 2005
Summary
Selective mutism (SM) involves anxiety and speech-language issues. Children with SM showed shorter narratives than those with social phobia, indicating subtle expressive language deficits.
Area of Science:
- Child Psychology
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Psychiatric Disorders
Background:
- Selective mutism (SM) is a complex anxiety disorder.
- SM is associated with speech-language deficits, but these are not well-understood.
- Systematic study of language deficits in SM is lacking.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically investigate language deficits in children with SM.
- To compare expressive narrative abilities in children with SM and social phobia (SP).
- To assess nonverbal cognitive and receptive language skills in both groups.
Main Methods:
- A novel cross-disciplinary assessment protocol was employed.
- Evaluated anxiety, nonverbal cognition, receptive language, and expressive narrative skills.
- Compared 7 children with SM to 7 children with SP.
Main Results:
- Children with SM produced significantly shorter narratives than children with SP.
- Children with SM demonstrated normal nonverbal cognitive abilities.
- Children with SM exhibited normal receptive language abilities.
Conclusions:
- Selective mutism may involve subtle expressive language deficits.
- These deficits could potentially impact academic performance.
- The developed assessment protocol may be valuable for language clinicians.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
02:30Naturalistic Observations
If you want to understand how behavior occurs, one of the best ways to gain information is to simply observe the behavior in its natural context. However, people might change their behavior in unexpected ways if they know they are being observed. How do researchers obtain accurate information when people tend to hide their natural behavior? As an example, imagine that your professor asks everyone in your class to raise their hand if they always wash their hands after using the restroom. Chances...
01:26Modeling in Therapy
Modeling, a key technique in therapy, uses observational learning to help clients acquire and practice new skills by watching therapists demonstrate desired behaviors. This approach, rooted in Albert Bandura's concept of vicarious learning, plays a significant role in therapeutic interventions for various psychological conditions, including social anxiety, ADHD, and depression.
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
Participant Modeling
Participant modeling involves therapists demonstrating calm and effective behaviors in situations...
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group effort.