What is Selective Mutism?
“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.
Treatment of Selective Mutism
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
Service target: Patients suspected or diagnosed with "selective mutism"
Treatment Method：
- Behavioral Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy
Treatment Process: After the first meeting, the Counseling Psychologist/Speech Therapist will give professional advice, including the patient's condition, treatment methods and other suggestions, then discuss the details of the course of treatment with the parents.
Number of treatment sessions/time:Around 8 - 12 sessions per treatment, 50 minutes per session
For enquiry, please fill in the Service Enquiry Form /call 28716700 / Whatsapp 5539 6773 , or email to [email protected].
Want to know more about Selective Mutism? Please read our published handbook Selective Mutism Educational Handbook for Teachers and Parents (Chinese only) The handbook covers the basic information, diagnostic criteria, treatment methods, case sharing, etc. of selective mutism. We hope that parents and teachers can refer to the methods proposed in this handbook, and intervene early when their children are waiting for services, so as not to miss the golden period of treatment.