Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety-based disorder that affects a child’s ability to speak to specific people, in specific environments despite being able to talk freely in settings where they feel more comfortable e.g. at home with their family.
For some children, they are able to use non-verbal communication to get their message across in these situations such as nodding, pointing, using their fingers to express numbers/choices etc. For others, they may be literally ‘frozen’ in their anxiety and unable to respond in this way.
SM is NOT choice
It is important to remember that the young person does not CHOOSE to remain silent, their anxiety prevents them from being able to speak, even if they desperately want to. It is not personal. They need your help to build their confidence and trust.
If you have concerns about your child’s talking in different environments and think they may have selective mutism, please speak to your health visitor or your child’s nursery or school to discuss whether a referral to the speech and language therapy team is appropriate.
If your child is not in education, please contact us on 0300 123 344 or email: medch.childrenscommunity@nhs.net to discuss accessing further support.