Selective Mutism Treatment Service

“Selective mutism” is a type of social anxiety disorder. Patients can talk to others as usual in familiar environments, but in certain environments (such as schools/parties) they will not speak a word and become extremely nervous, even limbs stiff. The symptoms of each patient are unique, some do not speak at all, some speak in a low voice while some can express meaning with gestures or body movements.

According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the diagnostic criteria for Selective Mutism are as follows:

Selective Mutism is a relatively rare disease. According to a survey in Finland, the incidence rate of this disease in junior primary school is 2%. There is a general lack of understanding of this disease in the public, and it is difficult for many children to obtain proper support.

Early intervention and treatment can effectively improve the situation for children who have the above symptoms or who have been diagnosed.

Our centre provides Selective Mutism Treatment services, led by counselling psychologists and speech therapists, using behavioural therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy to gradually solve the problems of patients' anxiety and refraining from speaking.

Managed by Registered Counseling Psychologists and Speech Therapists