A Brief Review of the Literature on Interventions for Preschoolers with Selective Mutism in Japan

Abstract

The present study reviewed previous research on interventions for young children with selective mutism at kindergartens or nurseries in Japan. Of the previous research published in Japanese academic journals, ten studies were selected on the basis of our inclusion criteria. The age range of the subjects was from two to six. Many subjects had no speech, were excessive tension, and did not participate in activities or play in the classroom. Interventions for speaking and interventions for classroom routines and programs, were being conducted by the child carers or external supporters. Result, all subjects participated in activities or play and many of them could speak. Very few related studies have been published in Japanese journals. Thus, there is a great need for further research, including investigation of interventions for young children with selective mutism at kindergartens or nurseries in foreign countries, and of the status of selective mutism in Japan.