People around the child or young person can also do a lot to help – for example, by taking off the pressure to speak at school or at home. Treatment doesn’t focus on speaking, but on reducing the anxiety that is linked to speaking. Identifying selective mutism as early as possible is key, as it can lead to social anxiety, low self-esteem and frustration if left untreated. There is no one specific cause of selective mutism. It can be helpful to consider selective mutism as a phobia of speaking, for which there can be several causes. There is a myth that children or young people who are on the autistic spectrum are more likely to have selective mutism, but this is not the case. It happen to any child or young person who suffers with anxiety, although it is more common in girls. ![]() ![]() The disorder affects roughly 1 in 140 young people. It can persist into adulthood if not treated. Selective mutism usually begins in early childhood and can only be diagnosed when a child is over the age of three years and has developed their ability to speak. They are, however, able to speak well in other places – for example, at home. Children who experience selective mutism can often freeze when they are in situations where they are expected to speak to someone, which makes talking impossible. Use of commenting in general is useful as it gives an opportunity for the child to join in when they feel comfortable to.Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder which means that a child or young person does not speak in select situations and environments – for example, at school.Reduce use of questions: Instead use comments for example “You’re drawing a flower” or “I see you’re pointing to the picture in the book.” This helps convey interest in what the child is doing and is a good technique to fall back on when she is being nonverbal.Avoid direct questions: reduce the pressure on children to speak by avoiding using direct questions.Praise: Use general praise not necessarily related to speaking in order to reduce attention drawn to the child’s speaking.It also helps the child learn to manage their anxiety. Wait 5 seconds: Pausing without repeating the question or letting anyone answer for a child is a good rule of thumb. ![]() Support for parents and teachers is therefore very important. This can be discussed with the relevant health professional supporting your child/young person. Support strategies for parents, carers and teachers include the small steps therapy program which works towards the child/young person feeling more comfortable speaking with others. It can happen to any child or young person. Selective mutism usually begins in early childhood when a child has developed their ability to speak. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder which means that a child or young person is unable to speak in select situations and environments – for example, at school.
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