Selective Mutism
Selective Mutism is an anxiety-based condition where a person who can speak normally in some settings is consistently unable to speak in others.
Start free screeningWhat it is
Selective mutism is an anxiety-based condition where a person who can speak normally in some settings is consistently unable to speak in others, most commonly at school.
Signs in children
- Speaks freely at home but not at school
- Unable to answer teachers or peers when expected
- Uses gestures or whispers instead of speaking in some settings
- Anxiety visible before situations requiring speech
- Speech returns immediately in comfortable environments
Signs in adults
- History of not speaking in school despite speaking at home
- Avoiding phone calls or speaking in meetings
- Anxiety-driven silence in specific social contexts
- Able to speak with trusted people only
- Late recognition after years of being labelled shy
How WhyTheyThink screens for it
Questions compare speaking behaviour across settings and ask about anxiety, avoidance, and situational speech patterns.
Frequently asked questions
Is selective mutism just shyness?
No. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a child cannot speak in specific settings despite being fully capable of speech elsewhere.
Will my child grow out of selective mutism?
Without support, selective mutism often persists. Early intervention with a trained therapist typically leads to significant improvement.
How is selective mutism treated?
Gradual exposure-based approaches and anxiety treatment are most effective. Our screening helps identify the pattern to start those conversations.