Understanding Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a complex disorder that is sometimes difficult for people to understand. This disorder is usually rooted by anxiety and fear. If your child has selective mutism, they may have difficulty speaking in new social situations. This might include speaking with peers on a sports team, at the playground and/or in the classroom. Without intervention, this disorder often interferes with a child’s academic achievement and also social relationships.

It is important to recognize that selective mutism does not necessarily mean there is a deficit in the child’s language skills. It is also important to understand that we might not be able to pinpoint the exact cause of selective mutism when it occurs. Selective mutism can be linked to genetics, a family history of mental health disorders and can be caused by fear/anxiety in the child. If you suspect your child may have selective mutism, an appointment with your pediatrician would be a great first step. They may refer you to a neuropsychologist, a speech therapist and/or a counselor. Treatment may be done by a team of professionals over time and may consist of reducing anxiety and building confidence in the child. 

If you suspect your child has selective mutism, we can provide therapy services that support your child’s communication and services that allow the child’s confidence to grow in social situations. If you have questions regarding selective mutism or other speech, language or feeding disorders please call or email our office. We would be happy to walk alongside you and find the best team for your child. For more information, you can also visit the Selective Mutism Association website. 

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