What is selective mutism?
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain situations but can speak in other situations.
Identification – what you may see in the child or young person
- Will speak happily and freely in certain situations and environments but will be unable to speak in specific situations.
- May be totally silent in specific settings, for example school.
- May appear to be uninterested, nervous, uneasy or withdrawn.
- Actively avoids situations where they may be required to speak.
- The expectation to talk to certain people triggers a freeze response with feelings of anxiety and panic, and talking is impossible.
- May struggle to separate from parent carers.
- May be quiet at school but become distressed when they get home.
- May know the answer to questions but are not able to respond.
- Can find it difficult to ask for help, express their wants or needs or start conversations with others.
- May use other forms of communication, for example nodding or shaking head, gesture.
Planned provision in school
Based on need, some of this provision will be effective.
- Remove pressure on the child or young person to speak.
- Provide and model other ways to communicate, for example visual cards, smiling, thumbs up.
- Provide reassurance that you understand how they are feeling and that they can take small steps when they are ready.
- Create a positive environment for them to reduce anxiety:
- reassuring them that they’ll be able to speak when they’re ready
- concentrating on having fun
- praise all efforts the child or young person makes to join in and interact with others (do this subtly rather than publicly)
- not showing surprise when the child or young person speaks, but responding warmly as you would to any other
- Ensure a referral has been made to SALT and follow any programme recommended.
Resources for schools
Support services
- Our guide to selective mutism | Children and Family Health Devon
Further reading and information
Resources to share with parents