Does My Child Have Selective Mutism?

Does your child show a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations where there is an expectation for speaking (at school for example) despite speaking in other situations (like home)?

Does the problem interfere with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication?

Is the duration of the disturbance at least 1 month (not limited to the first month of school)?

Can you confirm that the failure to speak is not caused by a lack of knowledge or comfort with the spoken language required in the social situation?

Can you confirm that the disturbance is not better explained by a communication disorder (e.g., childhood- onset fluency disorder), autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia or another psychotic disorder?

Based on your answers, it is unlikely that your child has selective mutism.

Your child may not be diagnosed with selective mutism. It is normal if your child is shy or he or she does not like to talk to strangers. However, there are children who will not talk in specific situations and this is called selective mutism. It’s an uncommon childhood anxiety disorder that may interfere with social communication. The disorder is disturbing, not only for the child but also for the people around him or her. If you suspect that your child is suffering from this disorder, you should take him or her to the doctor.

Your child may not be diagnosed with selective mutism. However, it may be important to seek medical attention to understand your child’s symptoms. Especially when you are worried about how and when your child talks. The doctor may refer your child to a speech-language pathologist if needed, to test speech and language. Children with selective mutism may speak to immediate family members, but not in front of other relatives or close friends. Selective mutism causes educational impairment because kids also don’t speak at school. Treatment can improve quality of life significantly.

It may be critical to seek medical help for your child as soon as possible. If the doctor confirms that your child meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder, the doctor may recommend behavioral therapy or family therapy. For each child the focus of treatment may be different. The treatment may focus on speech and language or behavior in situations when the child refuses to talk. Sometimes medication is needed as well. To get rid of the condition, treatment is required, because it may not go away on its own.