Using social stories and scripting can help children with selective mutism by:

Using social stories and scripting can significantly benefit children with selective mutism by reducing anxiety and uncertainty. Selective mutism is characterized by a child's inability to speak in certain social situations despite being able to speak in other settings, often due to feelings of anxiety or fear. Social stories provide a narrative that outlines specific social situations, behaviors, and appropriate responses, thereby offering the child a clearer understanding of what to expect.

This clarity helps to diminish anxiety because the child becomes familiar with various social scenarios and the actions they can take, which fosters a sense of control and security. Similarly, scripting provides a predetermined set of phrases or responses that the child can use when interacting with others. This can alleviate the pressure to generate spontaneous speech, thus making it easier for them to communicate.

Overall, both tools support children in managing their anxiety and social interactions more effectively, promoting communication in a supportive way.