A Physiological Approach to Vocalization and Expanding Spoken Language for Adolescents with Selective Mutism

Area of Science:

• Child Psychology
• Speech-Language Pathology
• Telehealth

Background:

• Selective Mutism (SM) is a childhood anxiety disorder impacting social and academic functioning.
• Existing treatments may not fully address the complex nature of SM.
• Teletherapy offers a accessible platform for intervention.

Observation:

• Two adolescents with SM participated in a novel teletherapy program.
• The program integrated vocal production physiology with pragmatic language instruction.
• Treatment focused on improving speech initiation and verbal expression.

Findings:

• Significant increases in speaking frequency were observed (e.g., 35% to 86%).
• Marked improvements in pragmatic language skills were documented (e.g., 47% to 96%).
• The integrated approach demonstrated positive outcomes for both speech and social communication.

Implications:

• This novel teletherapy methodology shows promise for treating selective mutism.
• Integrating vocal control and pragmatic language is crucial for effective SM intervention.
• Telehealth delivery expands access to specialized treatment for SM.