Children with selective mutism are able to talk, and often chat freely at home, yet consistently don’t speak in certain places or around certain people, such as at school or in public. Selective mutism is often linked to anxiety or social anxiety, and the silence can make it hard to learn, make friends and join in.
Selective mutism is one of the anxiety-related conditions we treat at The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greenwich, and we work closely with parents throughout. Visit our Understanding Anxiety page to learn about other forms of anxiety.
Selective mutism often becomes noticeable when a child starts school, though signs can appear earlier. Signs to look for include:
Talking comfortably with family at home, but not in other settings or with other people.
Consistently not speaking at school, with friends or in public for more than a month, beyond the first weeks of a new school year.
Silence that gets in the way of learning, friendships or activities the child would otherwise enjoy.
Appearing anxious or overwhelmed in social situations, where speaking feels too hard.
Because selective mutism shows up in specific places, support often involves gradual steps toward speaking, positive reinforcement for each attempt to communicate, and teamwork among the adults in a child’s life, including family members and teachers.
For children and teens, we often work closely with parents, coaching them as “anxiety coaches” to reinforce new skills at home. Selective mutism is closely linked to social anxiety disorder, and you may also want to read about separation anxiety disorder.
Selective mutism can continue into adolescence or adulthood, so it’s worth reaching out early. Helpful approaches often include gradual exposure to speaking situations and positive reinforcement for communication.
As a Greenwich, CT practice specializing in anxiety in children, adolescents and adults, our care is grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and gradual exposure in a safe, supportive environment, with parents involved as partners. Every plan is shaped around the child’s age, symptoms and goals. Learn more about our treatment and therapy options.
The first step is a conversation with a parent or caregiver.
Care is shaped around your child’s age, symptoms and goals, with parents involved along the way.
Selective mutism can continue into adolescence or adulthood, so it’s worth reaching out if silence in certain settings lasts more than a month or affects learning and friendships.
Many children are shy at first. With selective mutism, a child consistently doesn’t speak in specific settings for more than a month, and it gets in the way of daily life. It is often linked to anxiety.
For children and teens, we often work closely with parents, coaching them as “anxiety coaches” to reinforce skills and support progress at home.
We don’t bill insurance directly, but we encourage you to explore your out-of-network benefits. Our services are generally reimbursed by health savings accounts.
If your child talks freely at home but goes quiet in other places, we’d be glad to talk with you. Call our office at (203) 769-1365 or reach out through our contact page.
We provide expert diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults—helping individuals and families move forward with clarity and confidence.
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