The central challenge of this book is to address the persistent refusal to speak in children, a condition known as selective mutism. The authors, Charles E. Schaefer and others, present a comprehensive overview of the disorder, detailing its characteristics and the various therapeutic interventions available. They emphasize the importance of clinicians familiarizing themselves with a broad range of options, including behavioral, psychopharmacological, multi-modal, psychodynamic, and family systems therapies, to effectively individualize treatment strategies for selectively mute children.

This book is presented as a comprehensive resource for professionals working with children exhibiting selective mutism. The authors advocate for a broad understanding of available therapeutic options, suggesting that a multi-modal approach, integrating various treatment modalities, is key to overcoming the disorder's traditional intractability. The text aims to equip psychologists, psychiatrists, pediatricians, counselors, and social workers with the knowledge to expand their therapeutic repertoires and tailor interventions to the specific needs of each child.