Linguistics

Philosophy

Treatment and control groups

Surgery

Clinical trial

Psychiatry

Norwegian

Pediatrics

Psychology

Physical therapy

Internal medicine

Psychosocial

Intervention (counseling)

Medicine

Clinical psychology

Audiology

Randomized controlled trial

Child and Adolescent Mental Health

Background Randomized controlled psychosocial treatment studies on selective mutism ( SM ) are lacking. Method Overall, 24 children with SM , aged 3–9 years, were randomized to 3 months treatment ( n = 12) or wait list ( n = 12). Primary outcome measure was the School Speech Questionnaire. Results A significant time by group interaction was found ( p = .029) with significantly increased speech in the treatment group ( p = .004) and no change in wait list controls ( p = .936). A time by age interaction favoured younger children ( p = .029). Clinical trail registration: Norwegian Research CouncilNCT01002196. Conclusions The treatment significantly improved speech. Greater improvement in the younger age group highlights the importance of an early intervention.

A randomized controlled trial of a home and school‐based intervention for selective mutism – defocused communication and behavioural techniques