Selective Mutism & Social Anxiety: What's the Difference?

The Playful Psychologist

In this weeks episode of The Playful Psychologist podcast, the topics of selective mutism and social anxiety are explored. In this episode, I am joined by Dr Melissa Giglio, who is a child clinical psychologist from the US and the director of a multidisciplinary clinic in Hong Kong. Together with her colleague Daisy Geddes they specialise in treating Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety Disorder in kids, and their clinic is the only one in Asia that has an intensive group therapy program called Confident Crew. In 2022 they published their children's book, Bravery Grows, about a girl who's building up her confidence to do "brave talking" in social situations. The book has been recommended by the the Child Mind Institute and the Selective Mutism Association.

This episode will explore:

1. What is social anxiety?

2. What is selective mutism?

3. Is the term 'selective' appropriate? Or does it suggest children are actively choosing to be 'mute?'

3. How do these two diagnoses differ in presentation/cause?

4. How can parents help their children if they are concerned?

5. Tell us a little about the book you guys have released.

You can use code PLAYFUL15 to grab a copy of 'Bravery Grows' via this link: https://bravemightyminds.com/store/p/bravery-grows
To follow along on social media, check out: @braverygrows @drmelissagiglio @daisygeddes