🗣️ Selective Mutism


Overview:

Selective Mutism is an anxiety-based disorder where a child who can speak normally in some settings becomes unable to speak in others, often due to intense fear or social anxiety. It’s not willful silence — it’s the child’s body freezing in high-anxiety situations.


Children with selective mutism often speak freely at home but fall completely silent at school or around certain people. The disorder usually appears between ages 3–8 and affects both speech and confidence development.


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How Common Is It? 📊

• Studies estimate selective mutism affects 0.2–1.6% of children (Bergman et al., 2002).

• It’s more common in girls and in children who are shy, anxious, or bilingual.

• Research shows it often co-occurs with social anxiety disorder.


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Common Signs Parents or Teachers Might See 🌼

• Child speaks comfortably at home but remains silent at school, even with friends

• Uses nods, gestures, or whispers instead of normal speech

• Appears “frozen,” avoids eye contact, or shows a stiff posture in social settings

• May have stomachaches, tears, or refusal to attend events

• Performs well academically but struggles with oral participation


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Possible Causes:

• High social anxiety or genetic predisposition to shyness

• Past trauma or stressful transitions (moving, new school, language barriers)

• Fear of embarrassment or making mistakes


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How Families Can Help 🌈

• Avoid punishing or labeling the child as “rude” — it increases anxiety.

• Create safe speaking opportunities in small, relaxed environments.

• Encourage gradual progress — whispering, then short phrases, then full sentences.

• Collaborate with teachers for gentle participation goals.

• Professional support (CBT, play therapy, and sometimes speech therapy) can help children build confidence over time.


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Inspiring Fact:

💖 With early intervention and family support, most children with selective mutism overcome their silence completely and thrive in school and social settings.


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References:

• Bergman, R. L., Piacentini, J., & McCracken, J. T. (2002). Prevalence and description of selective mutism in a school-based sample. Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 41(8), 938-946.

• Oerbeck, B., Stein, M. B., Wentzel-Larsen, T., Langsrud, Ø., & Kristensen, H. (2014). A randomized controlled trial of CBT for selective mutism. American Journal of Psychiatry, 171(6), 620-628.

• National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Selective Mutism: Facts for Families.Retrieved from www.nimh.nih.gov