Virtual Reality Homework to Help Shy Children Speak at School

This trial is testing whether adding virtual reality homework exercises to behavioral therapy can help children with selective mutism — a condition where children struggle to speak in certain situations like school, even though they can speak comfortably at home. Children in the study will receive behavioral therapy sessions at school using a program called 'Speaking at School, a Matter of Doing,' and will also do virtual reality exercises at home with a VR headset that their family receives for free. The goal is to see if this combination approach helps children gain confidence and overcome their difficulty speaking at school.

Selective mutism can significantly impact children's education and social development, and many children don't respond well to therapy alone. This trial is exploring whether adding interactive virtual reality homework exercises can give children more practice and tools to work through their anxiety about speaking in school settings.