Selective Mutism (SM) describes children who are persistently silent in some specific situations despite being able to speak freely at other times. Children described as being selectively mute typically can speak at home and with familiar people but fail to do so in other places such as nursery school, shops and social situations with unfamiliar or large numbers of people.

SM is a psychological problem related to chronic social anxiety and is not the result of normal shyness, attention seeking or defiant behaviour. Individuals can appear completely unable to speak and may ‘freeze’ in some settings as if afraid of others hearing their voice. They often report they want to speak but are afraid to, because of the actual process of talking aloud. 

Reluctant Speakers are said to have a mild form of SM, and they will talk a little in certain situations. The guidance offered can be used to support all children with a form of SM.