Why Won’t My Child Speak?

Does your child show a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations in which there is an expectation for speaking (e.g., at school) despite speaking in other situations (e.g., at 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)?

While it is unlikely that your child has a disorder related to talking, he may be displaying a sign related to it. It is normal if your child is shy, or he or she does not like to talk to strangers. Some kids don’t talk because of a lack of knowledge of the spoken language, or because of a communication disorder. 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.

Based on your answers, your child may be displaying some signs related to a disorder called ‘selective mutism’. 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 significantly improve quality of life.

Unfortunately, your child may be displaying the symptoms typically seen among kids who have selective mutism. Selective mutism is a disorder in which children will not talk in specific situations. It is recommended to seek medical help for your child. If the doctor confirms that your child meets the diagnostic criteria for the disorder, he 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, on 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.