Selective Mutism and How to
Support Children Who Experience This

Anna is developing a clinical specialism in Selective Mutism. Through her training and clinical work, she has some helpful information and tips that she would like to share with our families.

All of us when stressed or overwhelmed, can freeze and may not speak. This is not selective mutism as there’s a reason of stress behind not speaking. Whereas selective mutism is not directly caused by stress. Selective mutism is instead a fear of ‘what will happen if I speak here in front of these people in this environment’. Rather than, ‘I’m stressed and scared, so I don’t want to speak right now’. 

It is highly recommended that is Selective Mutism is suspected please refer your child to a Speech and Language Therapist for support.

What is Selective Mutism:

It is an anxiety condition which is a phobia around the expectation to speak in certain situations and not in others for over a month. It’s a consistent selectivity in speaking in certain environments and not in others. It is not a choice. People with selective mutism do, really want to talk, however they do not want to be put in a situation (sometimes with particular people and/or in a particular environment) where it is hard for them to talk’. Often the child really wants to speak, they in fact may love speaking but anxiety builds up and the child just cannot get the words out. The anxiety the child feels around talking, may mean that child avoids certain scenarios which could lead to them having to talk in front of people. Eg they may avoid picking up a coat that has been left on the floor in class, in case it leads to a conversation with someone.

Co-occurrence: Selective mutism can often be present alongside and overlapping with other conditions such as autism. It is important to obtain a robust assessment in order to investigate all aspects of the factors which can impact a child or young person’s communication.  This means that the right support is determined and effective therapy approaches are provided.

Day to day tips for all individuals (families, schools and professionals) supporting their child with Selective Mutism:

Step 1: Accept your child’s current communication and help your child to feel ready to make changes to their communication when they are ready. Focus on positive connections and trust. Prioritise having a strong relationship with the child. This is key.

Step 2: Improve wellbeing e.g. supporting the child with making friends in activities that don’t require talking. Focus on what they CAN do rather than what they find tricky.