Selective Mutism (SM)
SM affects about 1 in 140 children; that's two children in most
mainstream primary schools.
Are you worried about your child, or a child who you support, who isn't talking freely in certain situations?
Would you like to feel confident that you’re doing everything you can to help?
What is Selective Mutism?
Selective mutism (SM) is an anxiety-based condition where children find it difficult to speak in certain situations, such as at school or in public, even though they can speak freely in other situations, such as at home with close family.
The condition is often misunderstood as extreme shyness or a refusal to speak. However, contrary to its name, selective mutism is not a conscious choice; children are not deliberately ‘selecting’ when to speak.
Children with SM want to speak but are unable to do so due to an involuntary freeze (fear) repsonse triggered by the expectation to speak. This reponse can also affect non-verbal communication, including facial expressions and gestures, and even actions like walking and handling objects.
A more accurate term for the condition would be situational mutism, as the inability to speak is triggered by the specific context, not by a decision to remain silent.
SM presents in two profiles:
High-profile: The child remains completely silent in certain situations.
Low-profile: The child speaks minimally, providing brief responses and not initiating speaking in certain situations.
SM often begins in early childhood when children start to interact with unfamiliar people outside of their immediate family. Without the right support, the condition can continue into adolescence and adulthood and impact on social, emotional, and academic/career development. The earlier SM is identified and addressed, the better the chances for positive outcomes.
If a child is consistently speaking minimally, or not at all, in certain situations for more than a month (or two months in a new setting), despite speaking freely in other situations, professional support may be needed to help overcome SM.
“Our three year old daughter experienced selective mutism. We decided to get in touch with a specialist to help us deal with the problem. Pre-school recommended Natalie and we are so glad they did. The issue, which we were really worried could affect our child for years to come, was sorted in a matter of months. Thanks to her extensive knowledge and experience of this condition, Natalie was able to put in place a great plan of action tailored to our daughter's specific needs and individual personality. The staff at pre-school and ourselves at home followed all of Natalie's expert advice and as a result, my daughter who wasn't saying a single word at pre-school can now happily chat to all her little friends and all the members of staff. It's such a joy and a great relief. Thank you Natalie for all your precious help and constant support throughout this stressful time - we couldn't have wished for a better outcome!”
Parents of a 3 year 11 month old girl: assessment and recommendations
Selective Mutism Services
Assessment and recommendations
Support and training for parents and educators in understanding selective mutism and how to help
Regular joint planning meetings with parents and educators
Regular support and guidance by telephone/video call or email
Regular therapy sessions with the child, parents and/or educators
"Thank you for your work with our daughter and the thorough report, which we feel will stand us in good stead for seeking further help. The report is a very accurate picture of her strengths and challenges, so thank you for being so thorough; we really appreciate the time and effort that you have put into preparing this."
Parents of a 4 year old girl with selective mutism: assessment and report
"I have just realised that whilst I have sent your report on to staff in school who work with this child, I have not thanked you personally yet for sending it through and for all the work you put into it. Thanks so much for all the information provided. It will help us so much in honing the support offered to her in school and also in supporting mum with the EHCP application."
School SENDCo
"The feedback and report you provided us for this child was hugely influential is us securing an EHCP for her - thank you very, very much!!"
School SENDCo
Book a free, no obligation initial telephone conversation with Natalie today.