Selective Mutism Services

What is Selective Mutism?

We offer a regional service for children with suspected Selective Mutism.

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where children speak freely with certain people or in certain environments (such as at home with immediate family) but have difficulty speaking in other situations. Children with selective mutism may:

  • Not speak in certain environments
  • Not speak around or with certain people
  • Not speak where they feel they can be overheard
  • Whisper or mumble
  • Speak to some people “through” other people
  • Use non-verbal ways to communicate such as nodding, pointing, or gestures
  • Have difficulty communicating their needs, such as asking for help or to use the bathroom
  • Have anxiety about attending school or other activities
  • Have anxiety about social situations
  • Have separation anxiety (for example, not want to leave parents or being ‘clingy’)

Each child’s presentation is different. Children with selective mutism may not appear anxious. It may be hard for caregivers to tell why children will speak sometimes and not others.

Selective Mutism Services Available at the MJW-CYDC:

At our Clinic we can conduct Selective Mutism Assessments to formally diagnose selective mutism. We can also screen for other conditions, such as language or learning difficulties or Autism.  

We also offer Behavioural Intervention for children with selective mutism. This is different than other forms of counseling, such as talk therapy, art therapy, or play therapy, which usually do not work for children with selective mutism.

In behavioural therapy, we usually:

  • Teach caregivers and other supporters about selective mutism
  • Teach caregivers/supporters how to build comfort and engage children without talking pressure
  • Teach caregivers/supporters how to build talking skills using baby steps (gradual exposure)
  • Teach children social and school-based skills (for example, raising their hand, reading aloud, asking for help, talking to peers)

We can combine in person with virtual sessions, depending on the family’s needs.

Click here to APPLY 

Questions may be directed to Tiffany Trudgeon, Clinic Manager, at tvalent2@uwo.ca or 519-661-4257