Selective Mutism (SM) can be an overwhelming challenge for children, teens, and their families. For many, the anxiety associated with speaking in certain situations makes communication feel like an insurmountable hurdle. While there are various evidence-based approaches to help children with SM, one underutilized but highly effective tool is the use of therapy dogs.

Therapy dogs can provide immense value in helping children and teens with Selective Mutism gain comfort, confidence, and skills necessary for communication. Whether in a therapy office, during programs like CommuniCamp™, or in everyday social interactions, therapy dogs offer unique opportunities for growth.

The Role of Therapy Dogs in Addressing Selective Mutism

Therapy dogs act as a bridge between the child and the external world, offering a comforting, nonjudgmental presence. These animals are skilled at providing emotional support and can help in the following ways:

  1. Reducing Anxiety: The soothing presence of a therapy dog helps reduce the physiological and emotional symptoms of anxiety, creating a safer environment for communication attempts.
  2. Fostering Indirect Engagement: Therapy dogs divert attention away from the child and help reduce the pressure associated with eye-to-eye contact or direct interaction. This makes speaking or engaging in social activities less daunting.
  3. Building Confidence: Interacting with a therapy dog allows the child to practice verbal and non-verbal communication in a low-pressure setting, gradually boosting their confidence in their abilities.
  4. Encouraging Focus and Distraction: The dog provides a distraction from the stress of the moment, enabling the child to relax and engage more naturally.
  5. Assigning a “Big Shot Role”: Children often thrive when given a leadership role, such as helping to give commands to the dog or showing others how to interact with the animal. This fosters a sense of capability and importance.

Using Therapy Dogs in the Office

Therapy sessions provide a controlled environment where children can begin to explore communication. A therapy dog can be used as part of the process in several ways:

  • Greeting the Dog: Encourage the child to verbally or nonverbally greet the dog. Saying simple words like “Hi” or giving commands like “Sit” can be an approachable first step toward speaking.
  • Interactive Games: Playing fetch or engaging in grooming activities offers opportunities for communication. For example, the child might direct the dog to “Fetch the ball” or “Bring the toy.”
  • Bridging Social Interactions: If another child or therapist is present, the dog can act as a conversation starter. The therapist can model questions like, “What should we name the dog?” or “What color is the dog’s collar?”

Therapy Dogs at CommuniCamp™

Programs like CommuniCamp™, which provide intensive group therapy for children with SM, can benefit greatly from incorporating therapy dogs:

  • Icebreakers: A therapy dog can serve as an icebreaker during group activities, helping children feel more comfortable around peers.
  • Team-Based Activities: Children can work together to guide the dog through an obstacle course or practice commands, fostering communication and collaboration in a fun, low-stress setting.
  • Role-Playing: During role-playing scenarios, the dog can “take the stage” with the child, redirecting the focus away from the child and easing performance anxiety.

Therapy Dogs in Social Interactions

In real-world scenarios, therapy dogs can be instrumental in helping children generalize communication skills:

  • Engaging with Others: The child can practice speaking by introducing the dog to others. For example, “This is Max. He loves to play fetch!”
  • Boosting Confidence in Public Spaces: Walking a therapy dog in a park or taking them to a pet-friendly café creates opportunities for natural conversation starters with strangers.
  • Handling Attention: When the dog draws attention, the child can practice responding to comments or questions, such as, “Yes, he’s very friendly,” or “He’s three years old.”

 Success Stories and Real-Life Impact

One example of success comes from a 10-year-old girl with SM who struggled with speaking to peers. With the help of a therapy dog, she began giving commands like “Sit” and “Stay” during therapy sessions. Over time, she progressed to speaking in front of a small group, using the dog as a focus point. Eventually, she was able to communicate without needing the dog’s presence as a support.

Another teen with SM found confidence in participating in a CommuniCamp™ group activity by guiding the therapy dog through a course and explaining each step to her peers. The sense of accomplishment and leadership translated into greater self-assurance in other social settings.

In Summary

Therapy dogs can be a game-changing asset for children and teens with Selective Mutism. By offering comfort, reducing anxiety, and providing a focus point, these furry companions help create a safe and supportive environment for communication. Whether in the office, at CommuniCamp™, or in everyday life, therapy dogs open doors to connection, confidence, and lasting progress.

Through the combined efforts of therapists, parents, and therapy dogs, children with SM can find their voice and discover the joy of connecting with the world around them.