Selective/ Situational Mutism (SM)

"Selective Mutism (SM), also called Situational Mutism is an inability to speak in specific social situations due to high levels of anxiety.

Not a Choice:
People with Situational Mutism are not choosing when to speak.

Panic Response: The inability to speak is due to a panic response triggered by certain environments and situations.

Severity: In severe cases, individuals might not even be able to nod or shake their heads.

Physical Signs: Individuals may have blank expressions or appear 'frozen' when expected to speak.

Triggers:
Stress, anxiety, and feeling overwhelmed can activate the panic response.

Beyond Talking: Communication difficulties extend beyond speech; writing, pointing, signing, or using communication aids can also be challenging.

Supporting someone with Situational Mustim

Someone who is Situationally Mute may benefit from using alternative communication strategies to communicate their wants/needs at times when they are unable to speak. For example:

  • Using a whiteboard and pen

  • Handwriting/ Typing

  • Signing/ gestures

  • Using a communication app on their phone


Different things you say, write or type have a different “communication load”. This means they take different amounts of brain power to share things that have a “low” communication load (meaning they are easier to communicate)

Things that have a “low” communication load include:

  • Questions that have no risk of wrong answers

  • Answering yes or no questions

  • Structured speech (such as reading from a book)

  • Talking in unison with other people

Things that have a “high” communication load include:

  • Sharing reasons for doing something

  • Sharing opinions or ideas

  • When you are unsure if an answer is acceptable

  • Initiating speech, especially if it is unplanned

  • Speaking to “high status” individuals

  • Talking about emotions 

How Talking Lab can help!

Adult assessment

‘Breaking Down The Barriers’ Programme

Additional Resources