Questionnaire Survey on the Prevalence of Selective Mutism at Special Needs Schools for Students with Intellectual Disability in Japan

Abstract

The aim of this study was to understand the prevalence and support status of students showing symptoms of selective mutism in special needs schools for students with intellectual disabilities. A questionnaire was sent to the principals of 12 special needs schools for students with intellectual disability in prefecture Akita, asking whether they had students showing symptoms of selective mutism and the kind of support provided. The results showed that six of the 12 schools had students showing symptoms of selective mutism, with a prevalence rate of 1.05%. Types of support provided included speech therapy and environmental adjustments. The results revealed that: 1) the prevalence of selective mutism is higher in special needs schools than in regular elementary and middle schools, and 2) better support is provided in special needs schools than in regular elementary and middle schools.