Selective Mutism
What is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism (ICD-11 6B06) is an anxiety-based condition in which a child who speaks comfortably in some settings — usually home — consistently does not speak in specific situations such as school, despite intact language ability. It is not defiance or a speech disorder. Features include freezing or whispering with unfamiliar adults, situation-bound silence lasting beyond a month, and interference with learning or social life — warranting gentle, early support rather than pressure.
A child who chats freely at home but falls completely silent at school is not being defiant — this is the pattern selective mutism describes.
In short
Selective Mutism (ICD-11 6B06) is an anxiety-based condition in which a child who is fully able to speak — and does so comfortably in some settings, usually at home — consistently does not speak in specific social situations where speaking is expected, such as school or with unfamiliar adults. It is not stubbornness, a speech or language disorder, or a choice; it is a freeze-like anxiety response. The pattern must last at least a month (beyond the first month of school) and interfere with learning or social life to be clinically meaningful.Signs to notice
A child with selective mutism typically speaks normally and warmly at home with close family, yet may not utter a word at nursery, school or in shops. You might see them point, nod, whisper, or freeze with a blank or worried face when spoken to by a teacher. Many are observant, sensitive children who manage well once trusted relationships build slowly. It commonly appears between ages 2 and 5, but is often first noticed when a child starts school. Importantly, the silence is situation-bound — the very fact that the child speaks freely somewhere confirms the ability is intact, and the difficulty is the anxiety, not the language.When to seek a review
If the silence in specific settings persists beyond the first month of starting school, or if it is limiting friendships, learning or daily routines, a developmental and emotional review is worthwhile. Early, gentle support works best — pressure to "just speak" tends to deepen the anxiety, whereas a calm, graded approach helps a child find their voice in their own time.The Pinnacle way
This is general information, not a diagnosis — a clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care, never from an app or a form. Our team blends gentle behaviour and emotional support with speech therapy where helpful, building a warm, low-pressure path on each child's selective mutism profile.Trusted sources
WHO ICD-11 (mental and behavioural disorders, selective mutism); American Academy of Pediatrics guidance on childhood anxiety; ASHA resources on selective mutism and communication.Next step — Book a developmental and emotional review so we can understand where your child speaks freely and gently widen that circle.
What to watch
A child who talks freely at home but consistently does not speak at school or with unfamiliar adults; pointing, nodding, whispering or freezing when spoken to; silence in specific settings persisting beyond the first month of school and affecting learning or friendships.
Try this at home
Never pressure the child to speak or reward speaking in front of others — instead reduce attention, allow nodding or pointing first, and let warmth and predictable routines build the trust from which a quiet voice slowly grows.
Trusted sources
Developed by SETU Consortium · Pinnacle Blooms Network · Last reviewed 2026-06-10 · reviewed every 365 days
This is general information, not a diagnosis. A clinical AbilityScore® and any diagnosis are formed only at a Pinnacle Blooms Network centre, under qualified clinician care.
Frequently asked
Is selective mutism just shyness?
No. Many children are shy yet still speak when needed. In selective mutism the child consistently cannot speak in specific situations despite wanting to, because of an anxiety-driven freeze response — and the same child usually talks freely at home.
Will my child grow out of it on their own?
Some children improve, but waiting can let the anxiety become more entrenched. Gentle, early support tends to work best. If the silence in specific settings lasts beyond the first month of school, a developmental review is wise.
Is selective mutism a speech or language problem?
Not in itself — the child's ability to speak and understand language is intact, shown by their fluent talk in comfortable settings. It is an anxiety-based condition, though it can co-occur with speech or language difficulties, which is why a careful assessment helps.