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SELECTIVE MUTISM IN TEENS
How selective mutism can affect adolescence.
For teens, selective mutism may affect classroom participation, friendships, appointments, and growing independence. Assessment and treatment should include the teen’s experience and goals.
A teen’s settings
Trusted people
A teen may speak comfortably with a small circle of family or friends.
School and work
Presentations, group discussions, interviews, or asking for help may be difficult.
Writing and messaging
Text, email, or prepared responses may be easier than speaking in the moment.
What you may notice
How selective mutism shapes a teen’s day.
Some teens with selective mutism can speak in certain situations but still struggle to start conversations, ask for help, or say more than a few words. They may rely on other people, use writing or messaging, or avoid situations that involve speaking.
School participation is limited
Speaking in class, group work, presentations, attendance, or asking teachers for help may be difficult.
Social connection can feel out of reach
Teens may speak only with a few trusted people or no peers at all. Speech may be limited to one-word answers, and starting conversations can be difficult.
Written communication is easier
Email, messaging, or prepared language may be used when spontaneous speaking is difficult.
Avoidance increases
The teen may skip classes, activities, appointments, work, or social situations that involve speaking.
What helps
Include the teen in setting goals and planning treatment.
Caregiver and school involvement should reflect the teen’s priorities, privacy, readiness, and growing independence.
Plan
Agree on manageable steps and clarify what information will be shared.
Practice
Work on specific school, social, work, healthcare, or daily-life situations.
Review
Track progress and adjust the plan as the teen’s needs and independence change.
How support fits together
Decide together who should be involved.
Individual treatment, social skills practice, caregiver involvement, and school coordination fit together around the teen’s goals and clinical needs.
Individual treatment
Assessment and treatment centered on the teen’s priorities and meaningful situations.
Caregiver involvement
Support for treatment goals and practice without speaking for the teen unnecessarily.
School coordination
Practical alignment around participation, accommodations, privacy, and agreed goals.
Social skills practice
Practice conversations and shared goals with others who understand selective mutism, guided by a clinician.
Common questions
Common questions about selective mutism in teens.
Learn more about support for teens.
The next step can begin with the situations the teen identifies as most important.