A child who talks, laughs, and plays freely at home may become completely silent at school, around adults they don’t know, or in other social settings. For parents, this sudden change can be confusing and concerning. Are they shy? Are they choosing not to speak? Or could something else be causing them not to talk or engage?
What Is Selective Mutism?
This isn’t simply stubbornness or choosing not to talk, but a real anxiety disorder called selective mutism that makes it difficult for a child to speak in certain situations. Anxiety can trigger a “freeze” response that makes speaking feel impossible.
Kids with selective mutism are usually talkative at home, but at school, around strangers, or in other public settings, they don’t speak at all. Parents start to notice signs of selective mutism around ages three or four, however, this becomes more apparent once they start school. Selective mutism can be easy to miss because children with the disorder are often quiet, polite, and well-behaved in the classroom, so their silence usually is mistaken for shyness.
Selective mutism can have a big impact on a child’s academic, social, and emotional well-being. A child who struggles to speak may have difficulty asking a teacher for help, answering questions in class, telling an adult what they need, and finding it harder to participate in social activities.
Is Selective Mutism An Anxiety Disorder?
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, and according to a study, 80% of children with this disorder “were diagnosed with an additional anxiety disorder, notably social phobia.” This is why in situations that feel overwhelming or intimidating, speaking can become incredibly difficult.
Is Selective Mutism Genetic?
Children may be more likely to develop selective mutism if anxiety or selective mutism runs in their family, especially if they are naturally shy, cautious, or take a while to warm up to new people. These traits don’t mean a child will develop selective mutism, but they can increase the risk, especially if they’re already anxious or have other environmental factors that could contribute to it.
Are Social Phobia & Selective Mutism Connected?
Social anxiety and selective mutism are closely connected. Research shows that about 69% of children with selective mutism also experience social anxiety or social phobia. Some children worry about:
- Saying the wrong thing
- Making a mistake
- Being laughed at
- Drawing attention to themselves
- Not having an answer to their question
- Other people notice that they’re nervous
Selective Mutism Therapy In Los Angeles & Beverly Hills
Selective mutism can make everyday situations feel overwhelming and anxiety-provoking for a child, but with the right support, they can build confidence and feel more comfortable communicating in new situations and with people they don’t know. If a child stops speaking in certain situations, an evaluation by a licensed therapist at Clarity CBT & DBT Center will help determine what’s causing selective mutism and the best treatment to support them. Contact us to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.
FAQs
What does selective mutism mean?
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that makes it difficult for some children to speak in certain social situations, even though they can speak comfortably in places where they feel safe.
Can Trauma Cause Selective Mutism?
Trauma is not a known cause of selective mutism, but a frightening or highly stressful experience can cause anxiety and may trigger or worsen symptoms.
What treatment is there for selective mutism?
Selective mutism is treated with therapy that focuses on reducing anxiety, while gradually building a child’s confidence and comfort when communicating with people they don’t know. Treatment may include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, behavioral techniques, and speech-language therapy.