Selective Mutism Research and Publications

The SMart Center is dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Selective Mutism through evidence-based research and clinical innovation. Our studies and conference presentations explore the behavioral, developmental, and neurobiological underpinnings of SM, while evaluating the effectiveness of interventions such as the Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®) program. The following sections highlight our published work, collaborative research efforts, and professional presentations that continue to shape the field.

Selective Mutism Research Resources

Inventory of Research & Professional Conference Presentations via Selective Mutism Research Insitute (SMRI)

Social Communication Anxiety Treatment (S-CAT) for Children and Families with Selective Mutism.

Assessing Spoken Language Competence in Children with Selective Mutism using Parents as Test Presenters

Testing Expressive Language in Children with Selective Mutism

Basc-3 Parent Rating Scales: Profiles of Children with Selective Mutism

Beneath the Silence: Exploring the Communication Patterns in Children with Selective Mutism

Express Program For Children with Selective Mutism

A Large Sample Study of Comorbidities in Childhood Selective Mutism.

Gender Differences in the Sensory Profiles of Children with Selective Mutism.

CommuniTeens: Using Group Treatment to Build Social Communication Skill in Adolescents

Assessing the Co-occurrence of Developmental Diagnoses in Children with Selective Mutism.

Exploring the Communicative Profiles of Children with Selective Mutism: How Does Age Impact Language Skills?

Main Effects and Interactions of Age and Gender on Socio-Emotional Functioning of Children with Selective Mutism Using the BASC-3 Parent Rating Scales (PRS).

Exploration of Developmental Delays Present Among Children Diagnosed with Selective Mutism

Debunking the Myth: Selective Mutism and Trauma

Shyness and Sociability in a Large Sample of Children with Selective Mutism.

Sensory Processing Patterns in Selective Mutism using the Sensory Profile.

Updated BASC-3 Parent Rating Scales: Portrayals of Children with Selective Mutism.

Parents’ Perspective: Children with Selective Mutism and Sensory Processing

What Else is Going On: Comorbidities and Selective Mutism

Perceptions are important! Caregivers’ perceptions of their own and their schools’ views about selective mutism

The “QUAD”: Eating, Sleeping, Toileting and Difficult Behaviors in Children with Selective Mutism.

Additional External Research Links

A Common Genetic Variant in the Neurexin Superfamily Member CNTNAP2 is Associated with Increased Risk for Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety-Related Traits

Stein MB, Yang BZ, Chavira DA, Hitchcock CA, Sung SC, Shipon-Blum E, Gelernter J.
A common genetic variant in the neurexin superfamily member CNTNAP2 is associated with increased risk for selective mutism and social anxiety-related traits.
Biological Psychiatry. 2011 May 1;69(9):825–831. doi:10.1016/j.biopsych.2010.12.010. Epub 2010 Dec 30.

This study identified a genetic variant in the CNTNAP2 gene—part of the neurexin family—that is associated with increased likelihood of both selective mutism and social anxiety–related behaviors. The findings suggest a biological connection between SM and broader anxiety spectra, highlighting potential shared neurogenetic pathways.

Refining the classification of children with selective mutism: a latent profile analysis

Cohan SL, Chavira DA, Shipon-Blum E, Hitchcock C, Roesch SC, Stein MB.
Refining the classification of children with selective mutism: A latent profile analysis.
Journal of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology. 2008;37(4):770–784. doi:10.1080/15374410802359735.

Using statistical modeling, this research identified distinct subgroups of children with selective mutism based on behavioral and anxiety profiles. Results indicated meaningful differences in severity and social communication, helping clinicians tailor treatment approaches more precisely to each child’s presentation.

Selective Mutism Questionnaire: measurement structure and validity

Letamendi AM, Chavira DA, Hitchcock CA, Roesch SC, Shipon-Blum E, Stein MB.
Selective Mutism Questionnaire: Measurement structure and validity.
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2008 Oct;47(10):1197–1204. doi:10.1097/CHI.0b013e3181825a7e.

This study validated the Selective Mutism Questionnaire (SMQ)—a standardized parent-report tool designed to assess a child’s frequency of speech across settings. The results supported the SMQ’s reliability and clinical utility for evaluating treatment progress and communication functioning in SM.

Selective mutism and social anxiety disorder: all in the family?

Chavira DA, Shipon-Blum E, Hitchcock C, Cohan S, Stein MB.
Selective mutism and social anxiety disorder: All in the family?
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. 2007 Nov;46(11):1464–1472. doi:10.1097/chi.0b013e31814a0b06.

By examining family histories, this research found that children with selective mutism often have close relatives with social anxiety disorder. The results support a familial and possibly genetic link between SM and social anxiety, underscoring shared risk factors and hereditary influences.

“Shy” child? Don’t overlook selective mutism

Schwartz RH, Shipon-Blum E.
“Shy” child? Don’t overlook selective mutism.
Contemporary Pediatrics. July 1, 2005.

Written for pediatricians, this article emphasizes the importance of distinguishing extreme shyness from selective mutism. It provides practical guidance for recognizing SM in clinical settings and encourages early referral to specialists for diagnosis and intervention.