Selective Mutism
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a child—or more rarely an adult—speaks in some settings but is consistently unable to speak in others where speech is expected.
Silence is not a choice
A child may speak freely at home but be unable to answer a teacher, ask for help or speak above a whisper at school. The word ‘selective’ describes the settings in which silence occurs; it does not mean the child chooses not to speak.
Anxiety may produce freezing, rigid posture, limited eye contact or reliance on gestures, writing or one trusted person. Pressure, punishment and public demands to speak usually increase the block.
Assessment
- The inability to speak is consistent in particular settings despite speech in others and affects learning, work or social communication.
- It lasts at least one month and is not limited to the first month in a new school.
- Limited knowledge of the required language, communication disorders, autism and psychotic disorders are carefully considered rather than assumed.
Gradual, coordinated treatment
Cognitive and behavioural interventions use very small agreed exposure steps, moving from non-verbal communication toward whisper and natural voice without surprise or coercion.
School support can provide response time, written or non-verbal participation and one trusted adult. Speech and language, mental health, family and educational professionals work together; medication may be considered by an appropriate doctor for severe anxiety within a broader plan.
When to seek help
Seek assessment when silence continues beyond initial adjustment, limits participation or prevents the child from requesting basic needs or reporting pain or bullying. Agree an immediate safe alternative communication method whenever speech cannot be relied on for safety.