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SELECTIVE MUTISM IN CHILDREN
How selective mutism may look different at home and school.
A child with selective mutism may speak comfortably at home and speak very little or not at all at school or in other social settings. The difference is related to anxiety, not choice.
A child’s settings
Home
A child may be talkative and spontaneous with familiar people.
School
The same child may whisper, use gestures, become still, or not speak.
Activities and community settings
Speaking may change with unfamiliar people, direct attention, or new expectations.
What you may notice
Pay attention to consistent differences across settings.
A child may communicate differently depending on who is present, where they are, and what they are expected to do.
Speech differs by setting
Your child speaks in some situations but rarely or never speaks in others.
Participation is affected
Answering, asking for help, joining groups, or showing knowledge verbally may be difficult.
Speaking expectations increase anxiety
Direct questions, being watched, or being asked to perform may lead to stillness, avoidance, or visible distress.
Other forms of communication may be easier
Some children use gestures, writing, pointing, or a trusted person to help communicate.
What helps
Treatment usually uses gradual, structured practice.
Behavioral and cognitive behavioral approaches help a child practice communication in manageable steps. Caregivers and school staff may help make those steps consistent across daily settings.
Plan
Choose a specific next step and make the situation predictable.
Practice
Repeat the step often enough for the child to build familiarity and skill.
Review
Track what changes and adjust one part of the plan at a time.
How support fits together
Information from home, school, and treatment helps complete the picture.
Assessment and treatment often involve caregivers, clinicians, and school staff. Each person contributes observations and supports a shared plan within their role.
Individual treatment
Developmentally appropriate assessment and treatment tied to situations that matter in the child’s life.
Caregiver involvement
Guidance for responding to anxiety and supporting planned practice between sessions.
School collaboration
Shared observations, appropriate accommodations, and coordinated treatment goals across the school day.
Social skills practice
Clinician-led practice with other children in Braverly’s program supports communication goals and connection.
Common questions
Common questions about selective mutism in children.
Learn more about evaluation and treatment for children.
Braverly reviews care inquiries for children, teens, and young adults ages 3–24.