Selective Mutism

What is Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, which manifests itself as a phobia of speaking in certain situations. A child with selective mutism will speak happily and freely in some situations, but not in others.

Without the right support, selective mutism can have severe long-term negative consequences, which can affect academic, social and emotional functioning. Early intervention for children with selective mutism is associated with better outcomes in a shorter time period. Speech and language therapists have a key role to play in supporting early identification as well as the management of selective mutism

Phobia Symptoms

Selective mutism usually starts in early childhood. It’s often first noticed when the child starts to interact with people outside their family, such as when they begin nursery or school.The main warning sign is the marked contrast in the child’s ability to engage with different people, characterised by a sudden stillness and frozen facial expression when they’re expected to talk to someone who’s outside their comfort zone.

  • They may avoid eye contact and appear:

  • nervous, uneasy or socially awkward

  • rude, disinterested or sulky

  • clingy, shy and withdrawn

  • stiff, tense or poorly co-ordinated

  • stubborn or aggressive

  • having temper tantrums when they get home from school, or getting angry when questioned by parents.

  • More confident children with selective mutism can use gestures to communicate. For example, they may nod for “yes” or shake their head for “no”.

  • More severely affected children tend to avoid any form of communication, whether this is spoken, written or gestured.

  • Some children may manage to respond with a word or two, or they may speak in an altered voice, such as a whisper.

  • Few people see the child or young person as they really are, for example, a sensitive, thoughtful individual who’s chatty, outgoing and fun-loving when relaxed and unaffected by their selective mutism.

How we can help

Our highly qualified and experienced Speech & Language Therapists support children and young people with a wide range of difficulties, including selective mutism. We provide a detailed assessment and tailor made therapy programme that can be delivered in our London clinic or in your child’s educational setting. We involve parents and carers throughout, providing you with advice and strategies that you can use to support learning between sessions

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