Selective Mutism:
The Silence of a Busy Mind
Dr Jo Black
Selective Mutism is classified as an
anxiety disorder.
It is linked to social anxiety, but also
research suggests autism can play a
big part in its development and
maintenance.
If someone is selectively mute, it means
that they don’t talk in some situations.
In situations where a person is comfortable, they
might speak as much as would typically be
expected for a person of their age and
development.
When in a situation that makes them feel anxious,
the anxiety can make it too hard to speak.
It is not a choice. Selective mutism is sometimes
referred to as ‘elective mutism’, but lots of people
don’t like that because it sounds like someone is
‘electing’ to be silent.
What causes influence the
development of selective mutism?
Negative social
experiences Anxiety
Genetics
Difficulty
Auditory
processing
processing
spoken language
difficulties
Being from a Low self-
critical esteem
environment
Limited social
experiences
Lack of belief in
academic ability Autism
Bilingualism
Things that are difficult for a
selectively mute young person
Working in Greetings and
Sitting next to groups goodbyes
people they
don’t know
Sensing tension
well
in a social group
- this will put
Going to clubs or
their anxiety on
events where
high alert
they’re expected
to talk to other
young people Attention being
drawn to the
Teacher calling fact they’re not
on them in class speaking
What is Going on in the Mind of
Someone who is Selectively Mute?
When someone is silent on the outside, there is likely
so much going on inside. Here are some self-conscious
thoughts a person might have.
Everyone’s judging me Please don’t pick
because I haven’t me to answer
spoken in 20 minutes
How can I get out
Say
of here without
something
having to say
anything?
I know the answer
Why do people talk
to that question
so much?
but I can’t say it
Those thoughts are the blockers that stop
the other thoughts coming out.
Along with those self-conscious thoughts, a
person who is mute will also be...
Thinking deeply about the Coming up with
topic being discussed jokes
Observing the
people around them
Lining up all the things
they would like to say
Thinking deeply about
something completely
different
Remember: The less someone
is talking, the more they are
thinking.
Selectively mute individuals
are often incredibly
observant, empathetic, and
know far more than they are
given credit for.
How can you support someone who is
experiencing selective mutism?
Never comment on the fact that someone is
quiet or not speaking much.
Offer closed questions as a gentle inroad to
joining a conversation.
If you can see they have become uncomfortable,
move the conversation away from them.
Offer reassurance that people like them or
that they have interesting things to say.
Allow an escape. Don’t force greeting or
goodbye rituals. ‘French exits’ are ok.
Keep including and inviting them.
Seek Psychological Support
A psychologist or therapist can work with a child
or young person in different ways such as:
-graded exposure: gradually getting used to
speaking in feared situations
-challenging negative thoughts around speaking
-exploring negative experiences that may have
contributed to social anxiety
-working with parents/schools/family members
-using play or art materials to explore feelings and
experiences
