Most therapies happen once a week, but Selective Mutism is different. Children with SM need time to warm up, repeated opportunities to communicate, and caregivers who know how to support communication beyond the therapy room. Learn why we often begin with intensive treatment and how this approach helps build momentum, strengthen parent coaching, and create a foundation for expanding communication across home, school, and the community.

Since parents are the primary advocate for their children, it is important to understand what is available for children with SM, how to obtain those services, and which services are appropriate for your individual child. Here is an introduction to our “special education dictionary” to help you better understand the language and terminology your school may use.

Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder characterized by consistent failure to speak in specific social situations. Kids with SM may struggle to speak at school, with adults, or with peers. They may have difficulty sharing personal information or making choices. Unfortunately, SM is not widely understood and neither are the important concepts that guide treatment for SM. Being a good consumer of treatment options will help you to be the best advocate for your child.

Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder where a child is unable to speak in certain social situations, despite being able to talk in others. There is a noticeable and significant shift in a child’s speech across different settings.