Situational (Selective) Mutism Therapy

Breaking Free from Silence: Our Specialised Approach

Does your child struggle to speak in certain social situations? Selective mutism can be a challenging condition, but at Smart Speech Therapy in Sydney, we offer compassionate and effective treatment to help children and adolescents overcome their communication difficulties. Our specialised therapy programs are designed to address the unique needs of those with selective mutism.

Understanding Situational (Selective) Mutism
Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder that prevents individuals from speaking in specific social environments or with specific people, despite being able to communicate comfortably in other situations and with some familiar people. This is not a choice, but rather a deep-rooted fear or anxiety that can be debilitating. Individuals with selective mutism may exhibit the following:

  • Speaking freely at home but remaining silent in public or at school.
  • Using non-verbal communication instead of speaking.
  • Struggling to build relationships due to their challenges with communicating verbally.
  • Experiencing increased anxiety when expected to speak, which can exacerbate their silence.

Our Approach to Situational (Selective) Mutism Therapy in Sydney

At Smart Speech Therapy in Sydney, we use a holistic approach to treat selective mutism in children and adolescents. Our goal is to reduce anxiety and build confidence, allowing individuals to communicate effectively in various social environments.

Comprehensive Assessment

The first step in treating selective mutism is a comprehensive assessment. 

 

We evaluate your child’s communication abilities, identify the specific settings where they struggle to speak and assess the level of anxiety associated with those situations. 

 

This thorough evaluation allows us to create a personalised therapy plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Gradual Exposure to Speaking

We use evidence-based techniques such as graded exposure and ‘sliding in’ to gradually introduce children to speaking situations that cause them anxiety. 

 

This process starts with small, manageable speaking tasks and progressively builds toward more challenging situations within a supportive environment. 

 

By breaking the process down into smaller steps, individuals feel less overwhelmed and gain confidence in their ability to communicate.

Individualised Therapy Plans

Every child is unique, so our therapy plans are customised to meet each need. We use a variety of strategies to help children and adolescents manage their anxiety and encourage verbal communication. Techniques may include:

 

  • Play-based activities to reduce anxiety in younger children.
  • Social stories and role-playing to practice conversations in a safe and supportive environment.
  • Goal-setting for exposure tasks throughout the week based on the level they are at. 
  • Preschool/school visits and liaison with educators to ensure they are aware of the support required.

Benefits of Situational (Selective) Mutism Therapy

Early intervention and therapy are crucial to overcoming selective mutism. Our specialised treatment provides a range of benefits for children, adolescents and families, including:

Social Interaction Groups

Reduced Anxiety: Therapy helps individuals manage the anxiety that prevents them from speaking, giving them the confidence to communicate in social situations.

Improved Communication: Clients learn techniques that make it easier to speak in situations where they previously remained silent.

Academic Success: Improved communication enables individuals to participate in school discussions, presentations, and group work, leading to better academic outcomes.

Collaboration with Parents and Educators

Parents and teachers play a critical role in supporting children with selective mutism. 

We work closely with both parents and educators to create a supportive environment for your child at home and in school. 

By using consistent strategies across different settings, individuals are more likely to make progress in overcoming their speaking challenges.

Smart Speech Therapy | Selective Mutism Therapy
Smart Speech Therapy | Selective Mutism Therapy

Social Skills Development

For children with selective mutism, social skills are often impacted. Our therapy sessions include opportunities for children to practice speaking and interacting with peers.

Group therapy sessions, social interaction games, and role-playing help children build the skills needed for everyday communication.

Schedule a Consultation Today

FAQs

  • We provide therapy for children from preschool age through adolescence. Our treatment approach is tailored to the developmental stage and individual needs of each child.

  • The duration of therapy varies depending on the severity of the condition and the child’s progress. Some clients may see significant improvement within a few months, while others may require longer-term therapy to fully overcome selective mutism.

  • Selective mutism is treatable, and many individuals can overcome the condition with the right support and therapy. While some children may fully recover, others may continue to need support in specific situations. The goal of therapy is to reduce anxiety and increase communication in all settings.