Selective Mutism

What is Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a child or young person is able to speak openly and freely in some situations (often at home, with close family), but not in other situations (e.g. with friends or teachers at school/ nursery).

It affects around 1 in 140 young children, so it is likely that at least one child in every primary school will be affected by  Selective Mutism. It is more common in girls compared to boys and with children who speak a minority language or who have recently migrated from their country of birth.

Selective Mutism can occur alongside other speech, language and communication difficulties, for example, children can have difficulties with speech sounds and also have Selective Mutism. However, it’s different to children who do not develop spoken language in any situation.

What are the signs?

Signs of Selective Mutism are usually first noticed in the early years, between the ages of 2 and 4 but it can be identified later than this.

You might notice that the child or young person:

• can speak openly at home but not in other, specific places or situations

Alongside this they might also:

• avoid speaking in places where they can be overheard
• become “frozen” and unable to move, communicate or take part in some situations where they are very anxious
• avoid drawing attention to themselves
• be able to speak within earshot of others but not directly to them
• appear nervous, uneasy or tense
• appear withdrawn or disinterested
• show distressed behaviour

It is important to understand that when a child with Selective Mutism can’t speak -it is not a choice they are making and they are not being rude. They are unable to speak due to anxiety; feeling frozen. Over time, they learn to anticipate the situations that provoke these feelings and do all they can to avoid them. 

How does treatment work?

With support from a those around them under guidance from a Speech and Language Therapist or suitable trained professional, children can overcome selective mutism – but timing is crucial. The older they are, the longer it takes and there is a risk it will continue into their teenage years and into adulthood.

Treatment does not focus on the speaking itself, but focuses on reducing the anxiety that your child has for speaking to and being overheard by people outside their immediate circle of family and friends.

Supporting Children and Young People with Selective Mutism

Support for Families

Useful resources