title: Symbol use in a case of elective mutism.
abstract: A case of elective mutism in a 4-yr.-old girl is discussed with reference to symbol use in the phenomenology and treatment of this disorder. Findings are related to current controversies regarding the classification of this rare disorder, which may be associated with more severe psychotic-spectrum disorders of childhood.
authors.affiliation: Bronx Children's Psychiatric Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NY 10461-2799.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Atlas
mesh_terms: D002675:Child, Preschool; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005196:Family Therapy; D005260:Female; D005868:Gestures; D006801:Humans; D007389:Internal-External Control; D008016:Life Change Events; D009155:Mutism / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D010553:Personality Development; D010989:Play Therapy; D012931:Social Environment; D013561:Symbolism