What Is Selective mutism?
- Dr. Vicky Mullan
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Selective mutism (also now known as situational mutism) is a phobia of talking/communicating in certain situation or with certain people. It is not a choice to not speak, it is a phobia which the young person is not in control of. They will experience fight/flight/freeze symptoms during an episode of selective mutism. It doesn't look the same for each young person, some maybe able to do things that others can't.
How can I help?
Remove pressure to talk by offering non-verbal ways that the young person can use to respond:
Phrase questions that can be answered with a nod/shake of the head
Provide a white board or book for writing and drawing communication
Provide cards that can be held up to answer questions e.g. a 'good morning' card for register time
Provide non communication based quality time with a trusted adult to build rapport e.g. sit and colour together in silence
Provide symbols and/or written cards that can be used for communication
Allow them to talk through someone else if that makes them feel more comfortable
Record reading at home and bring in for the teacher to hear (if they are ok with that)
Seek some professional support (Speech and language therapy and/or psychology).
Case Study - the importance of a communication strategy
I used to teach secondary science and worked with a number of young people who were experiencing Selective Mutism. One was a year 7, I will call him Jake. Jake had just transitioned to secondary school and found it very hard to communicate with members of staff in school. He could speak to some peers (usually those he had known since a young age).
One day I saw Jake in the corridor in floods of tears. He was with a member of staff who didn’t know Jake but was trying to work out what was wrong. Poor Jake couldn’t tell the member of staff what he was upset about. Luckily, I saw one of Jake’s friends round the corner and was able to ask them to come and help us work out how to help Jake.
It’s so important that all members of staff in a setting are aware when a young person is experiencing Selective Mutism and what strategies can be used to help them communicate. The focus is not on getting them to speak but ensuring their views are heard even if it’s in a different way to how we might expect e.g. using one of the strategies Sarah mentioned above.
Sparkly Selective Mutism Moment - “But I haven't got a woodlouse"
Another young person who comes to mind when I think about selective mutism was a lovely year 7, I will call him Tom. Tom came into my classroom, he often had a teaching assistant supporting him (due to other learning needs), who he was able to speak to, which helped him to interact in the classroom as he found it challenging to speak to teachers and peers. One day I invited Tom to come to science club at lunchtime I said excitedly, "are you coming to science club at lunchtime? We are doing woodlouse races!". I was expecting my usual nod or shake of the head, but instead, he leant in and with a small voice said, "but I haven't got a woodlouse". I smiled and explained that we would definitely supply the wood lice. But the fact that he felt safe enough to speak to me meant so much!
Written by Dr Vicky Mullan, Educational Psychologist (HCPC Registered).
A brochure outlining full details of the Selective Mutism service is available to download below.
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