What is Selective Mutism?

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.