Selective Mutism refers to an anxiety disorder that is characterised by a fear of the expectation to speak and a persistent difficulty/inability to speak in some situations, despite having the ability to speak in other situations.

According to research, 9.7% of autistic young people have selective mutism. An explanation of selective mutism and how it may impact young people in school, developed by young autistic people part of the Spectrum Gaming community, can be downloaded here.

School staff should have an awareness and understanding of Selective Mutism and should create an ‘anxiety free environment’ in the school setting. Dos and Don’ts at secondary school guide

Staff should avoid placing pressure or demand on young people to speak and should create opportunities for these young people to communicate through other means such as using non-verbal communication skills; nodding/shaking of the head and ‘show me’.

Routine interactive tasks should be adapted to allow young people to access them; for example the use of holding up a hand or waving to answer the register, pointing or using visual supports to choose meals and to make daily requests such as going to the toilet or asking for help.

School should identify a key adult who should focus on developing a trusting and safe rapport with the young person.

School staff should not act surprised or shocked when the young person speaks. All information should be shared across the school to ensure that staff members follow a consistent approach.

Familiar adults should not speak for the young person; the young person should always have the opportunity to communicate. Familiar adults can support young people by redirecting or rewording questions to reduce the amount of pressure placed on the young person.

Further support and guidance can be found on the

SMIRA website, where you can access recommended resources and reading.

Free online training (through Kent Community Health NHS) can be accessed here.

Bury Educational Psychology Service can provide information about training on Selective Mutism.