Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Selective mutism !
Hello Sir / Mam ,
Greetings !
Our daughter is 7 yrs old and since past 2-3 years she is very shy and reserved . Her paediatrician has diagnosed Selective mutism because she is quite talkative around her family and friends and familiar ones and is moody about speaking to anyone. But in school she talks in a very low tone . She is good when she speaks in Mic but infront of her teachers and classmates she is quite shy .
How can this issue get resolved and how much time does it take to get the things to normal.
Please advise .
Regards
Rishika
Answers (11)
Get your queries answered instantly with Care AI FREE
20000+ health queries resolved in last month
Give her time ...she will overcome the problem.
She needs to grab ...a bit of confidence to overcome social awkwardness.
That's it.....
Diagnosis can be wrong.....need to see a psychiatrist.
Your child's concern can be well treated with counseling sessions, remedial measures, customized occupation therapy and homeopathic medicines if required.
Homeopathic medicines would be a best solution for her now... because it doesn't have any side effects or addiction issues.
Give her a combination of all of the above for a quick and reliable result.
You need an expert psychologist who is a good homeopathic physician.
Next Steps
I have been working as a Homeopathic Psychiatrist and Counseling psychologist for the last 17 years of experience. You can contact me through an online appointment for further assistance.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
+138
Is there any incident of shock in recent past?
If yes, that can be a reason behind. I would suggest you and her father to talk to her and listen to her. Diagnosing a problem is easier but often something important hides behind diagnosis.
Therapy sessions, preferably play therapy is recommended for your child.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
Thank you for sharing about your daughter's situation. Selective mutism is a condition where a child is able to speak comfortably in familiar settings but remains silent or very reserved in other environments, such as school. Addressing this requires a gentle, supportive approach. It is important to work with a mental health professional, such as a child psychologist or speech therapist, who can develop a tailored intervention plan. Techniques like gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and creating a stress-free environment can help her build confidence in speaking. Consistency, patience, and encouragement from parents and teachers are crucial for progress. The timeline for improvement varies depending on the individual child and the intervention approach; some children see significant changes within a few months, while others may take longer. With proper support and a nurturing environment, your daughter can become more comfortable speaking in all settings over time. I recommend consulting a specialist for personalized guidance and therapy options.
Next Steps
consult
Health Tips
seek help
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
This 7-year-old girl’s pattern—talkative and relaxed at home but silent or whispering at school—fits Selective Mutism (SM), an anxiety-related childhood disorder.
Selective Mutism usually begins between ages 3–8. The child has the physical ability and vocabulary to speak but feels intense anxiety in certain social situations (typically at school or with strangers). It’s not stubbornness or defiance—it’s a fear-based freeze response similar to social phobia. The child wants to talk but experiences physical tension, racing heart, and speech blockage in performance-type settings.
Common triggers include social evaluation, unfamiliar adults, or fear of mistakes. At home, where the environment feels safe, anxiety lowers, and speech is normal—confirming that the issue is situational, not developmental or language-related.
Selective Mutism, an Anxiety Disorder of Childhood.
Early behavioral therapy, gradual exposure, family counseling, and teacher collaboration usually lead to recovery within months to 1–2 years.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi,
Selective mutism is an anxiety-related condition where a child is able to speak comfortably in familiar settings but finds it difficult to do so in certain social situations, like at school. With early and consistent support, most children improve significantly.
Therapy with a child psychologist using behavioral and play-based techniques works very well. Gradual exposure, positive reinforcement, and collaboration between parents, teachers, and the therapist help the child gain confidence. In some cases, a speech therapist may also assist with communication skills.
Improvement can be seen within a few months, though complete progress varies with each child. Early intervention and a calm, supportive approach at home and school make a big difference.
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hello Dear
As a parent, watching your child struggle to speak in certain settings can feel heartbreaking. You may know how talkative and full of life your child is at home, yet in school or social situations, their silence can seem confusing or even worrying
Selective Mutism can be incredibly hard for parents seeing your child speak freely at home but fall silent at school or in public can feel confusing and painful. It’s not stubbornness; it’s anxiety. Children with selective mutism often feel a freeze response that makes talking feel impossible in certain situations. As a parent, your patience and calm presence are powerful. Avoid pressuring them to speak; instead, use gentle encouragement, gestures, or play to build comfort. Celebrate every small step even a whisper or smile is progress. Work closely with teachers and seek guidance from a therapist who understands SM. With time, safety, and compassion, your child’s voice will begin to find its way back.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hi, consult a child psychologist
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
It's anxiety.conect with child psychologist to help her out to resolve her fears
Next Steps
connect
Health Tips
consult
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Hey
Your daughter’s symptoms fit Selective Mutism, an anxiety-based condition where children speak freely at home but freeze or whisper in school. It’s not stubbornness it’s anxiety.
Treatment:
CBT-based gradual exposure with a child psychologist, parent training, and school support (no pressure, gentle encouragement).
Timeframe:
Improvement usually starts within 6–12 months of consistent therapy.
Take therapy. You can connect with me on nine two six six seven two six zero six five
Answered
Flag this answer
1/1 people found this helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Neha Sachdev
Psychologist
11 yrs exp
Delhi
Hi
Your daughter needs to be made comfortable and asked few questions.
It can due to an experience that must have made her mute with certain people. It only speaks to people whom she can trust and is quite good but restricts her social interaction.
This need to be broken, as she would be fine with mutism and will choose never to heal herself from the experience.
Contact me at eight three six eight zero five three seven one zero
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Ms. Yashna David
Mental Health Counselor
10 yrs exp
Noida
Hi,
I've been working as a school counsellor for over 7 years. This will require a deeper conversation. Kindly connect with me for a session.
Answered
Flag this answer
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Was this answer helpful?
YES
NO
Articles you may like
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
The question asked on this page is a free question. You can ask a free health question by downloading the Practo app.
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.