Understanding Selective Mutism
What causes selective mutism?
There are several potential causes and risk factors for selective mutism :
Genetics
Neurobiology
Inhibition
Speech/Language Problems
Impaired language expression or delays in speech development
Environmental Factors
Trauma, neglect, and family dynamics can contribute to retreat from speech.
Common signs and symptoms
Common signs of selective mutism include:
No speech at school or in public, but able to speak at home
Limited facial expressions and awkward body language
Shyness, social withdrawal, clinginess, compulsive behaviour
Fidgeting, staring, scowling in social situations
Tantrums or acting out to express discomfort
Freeze reaction when pressured to speak publicly
Severe anxiety, fear, or discomfort triggered by social interaction
Hard to build peer relationships due to a lack of communication
Types of situations where speech is avoided
Typical situations where those with selective mutism do not speak:
Limited facial expressions and awkward body language
Shyness, social withdrawal, clinginess, compulsive behaviour
Fidgeting, staring, scowling in social situations
Tantrums or acting out to express discomfort
Freeze reaction when pressured to speak publicly
Severe anxiety, fear, or discomfort triggered by social interaction
Hard to build peer relationships due to a lack of communication
Types of situations where speech is avoided
Typical situations where those with selective mutism do not speak:
At school with teachers, classmates, and school staff
Around unfamiliar people like strangers or relatives
When there are crowds or being the centre of attention
Public places like parks, libraries, or stores
Birthday parties, play groups, or extracurricular activities
Around authority figures like doctors, babysitters
Treatments for selective mutism
Common interventions include :
Behavioural therapy to build speaking skills in social settings
Family-system therapy and parent education for optimal responses
Relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety levels
Cognitive-behavioral approaches to reframe maladaptive thoughts
Anti-anxiety medications in severe cases, if needed
Speech therapy to improve language expression abilities
Social skills training in group settings to increase comfort
With compassionate professional help, selective mutism can be overcome, enabling fuller social engagement.