Research Studies

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Selective Mutism Research Studies

The more research conducted regarding selective mutism, the better the awareness and treatments will be for this disorder. Historically, SM research has been based on small sample sizes because it is difficult to obtain a large number of participants. We need to change that to help narrow the gap between research and practice for selective mutism.

Available Research Studies

Studying the Impact of Selective Mutism Over Time: Recruiting Families & Individuals with Current/Previous Selective Mutism Diagnosis (English and Spanish)

The Potential Relationship Between Selective Mutism (SM) and Learning Differences: A Parent Survey

A study examining the potential relationship between selective mutism (SM) and learning differences. Recruiting caregivers/parents of youth up to the age of 18 who have SM or who have had a previous diagnosis of SM. Columbia University, New York, NY.

This survey may gain a better understanding of the relationship between Selective Mutism (SM) and different learning disabilities and learning profiles. It is for caregivers/parents of youth up until the age of 18 who have SM or who have had a previous diagnosis of SM. These questions ask about your experience with your child, their SM, their learning profile, and any history of a psychoeducational or neuropsychological evaluation. It should take around 20 minutes to complete.

Why is this study being done? This study is being done to obtain qualitative data about the potential relationship between Selective Mutism (SM) and learning differences. Understanding this relationship will help us to develop better interventions for future treatment.

What will I be asked to do if I agree to take part in this study? If you decide to participate, you will complete an online survey. You will be asked to respond to a variety of items related to your child’s SM, academic profile, school placement, and their psychoeducational/ neuropsychological evaluation (if applicable). You will also be asked to provide demographic information related to your income, employment status, and state of residence. Each participant’s data in this study will be anonymous; there will be no identifying information collected during this study. This survey will be done via Qualtrics, at a time that is convenient to you.

Who can answer my question about this study? If you have any questions about taking part in this research study, you should contact the primary researcher, please contact Ara Nazmiyal at an3064@tc.columbia.edu, or Dr. Benjamin Lovett at BL2799@tc.columbia.edu.

Click below for more information and to participate:

https://tccolumbia.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_0f79GREDdrLcit8

Needs and Preferences of Youth with Selective Mutism and their Parents when Planning a Course of Therapy Recruiting Clinicians and Youth 7-17 Years Old and Their Parents

Recruiting Youth 7-17 Years Old and Their Parents, Suffolk University

We are studying the needs and preferences of youth with selective mutism and their parents when planning a course of therapy.

As participants, youth and parents will complete virtual interviews (about 30-45 minutes) and online questionnaires (about 45 minutes). Youth and parents will each receive a $10 gift card as a gesture of appreciation after completion of the interview/questionnaires.

Parents and youth can participate in this study if:

1. The youth is between 7 and 17 years old

2. The youth has a past or current diagnosis of SM

3. The youth has currently or has previously been in treatment with a mental health professional for SM for at least one therapy session

4. The parent is at least 18 years old

If you are interested in learning more about the study and/or would like to participate, please email Jennifer Schild at jschild@su.suffolk.edu

Thank you for your consideration of this research, and we hope to hear from you!

Recruiting Clinicians, Suffolk University

We are studying the needs and preferences of youth with selective mutism and their parents when planning a course of therapy.

As a clinician participant, you would be invited to complete two phases of the study, each consisting of one virtual 45-minute qualitative interview about your experiences planning treatment for youth with SM and a short online survey. The two interviews would be approximately 3-6 months apart, and you would receive a $10 gift card as a gesture of appreciation after completion of each interview.

You can participate in this study if you:

1. Are a mental health professional who is licensed or under the supervision of a licensed mental health professional

2. Have treated youth with SM using a behavioral and/or cognitive behavioral approach