Supporting Your Child with Selective Mutism at Home

Selective mutism (SM) can feel challenging for children and their families, but with patience, understanding, and thoughtful strategies, you can create a supportive environment to help your child grow in confidence. Here are five practical tips to foster progress:

1. Build a Safe and Supportive Environment 

Create an atmosphere where your child feels secure. Avoid pressuring them to speak and instead provide them with choices, use “I wonder statements”, and connect through nonverbal communication, such as gestures, play, and smiles. Encourage gradual steps toward verbal communication at their own pace and provide wait time.

2. Incorporate Play-Based Communication 

Engage in games and activities that promote interaction without speaking, like drawing, charades, or building blocks. Gradually provide opportunities for your child to communicate in, whether it’s through gestures, using sounds, answering closed choice questions, or full sentences. Using games or pretend play can provide multiple opportunities for your child to communicate. For example, playing with dolls can provide opportunities for your child to comment, label and talk through their character.

3. Use Visual Supports

Provide tools like communication boards, picture cards, scales, or visual schedules to help your child express themselves. These aids can make communication feel more approachable and manageable.

4. Practice Manageable Goals

Set small, achievable communication goals, like waving to a neighbor or whispering to a trusted family member. Celebrate their progress with praise or small rewards to reinforce confidence.

5. Model Calm and Patient Communication 

Be a calm role model by speaking clearly and asking non-invasive closed-choice questions. Avoid filling silences or answering for them—give them time and space to respond in their own way.

Conclusion 

Supporting a child with SM requires patience and gradual progress. By fostering a safe environment, encouraging play-based communication, and celebrating small victories, families can help their child grow more confident in expressing themselves. Remember, every step forward is meaningful.