What Teachers Should Know Selective mutism causes some kids and teens to be too fearful to talk in some situations. Students with selective mutism might be able to speak just fine in comfortable environments, like at home with family members. But they can't speak in other places or situations, like at school or in public. Selective mutism is not a willful refusal to speak. It's an anxiety disorder, and experts think it's an extreme form of social phobia. Selective mutism is different from mutism. People with mutism never speak. Kids and teens with social mutism might seem extremely shy or withdrawn, avoid eye contact, and remain motionless and expressionless, sometimes with awkward or stiff posture or body language. Before school or social outings or events, kids and teens with social mutism may get headaches or stomachaches, or even vomit or have diarrhea. Students with selective mutism may: need preferential classroom seating near the teacher or a friend need to use nonverbal communication to answer questions (pointing, nodding their heads, using thumbs up or down, or facial expressions, etc.) need to complete verbal assignments on a one-to-one basis with a teacher or use adaptive equipment (video or photo presentations created at home, for example) need to take tests in a special, comfortable area outside the classroom miss class time to receive speech therapy or counseling need small class sizes or small-group learning environments need to visit the school nurse for anxiety medications be socially isolated and at risk for bullying benefit from having a 504 education plan What Teachers Can Do Social relationships can be extremely difficult for children with selective mutism. While such students can be at risk of being bullied, in other cases, classmates might take on protective roles and try to speak for their friends with selective mutism. Teachers can help students with selective mutism by: developing warm, supportive relationships, even if the interactions are nonverbal easing anxiety in the classroom by pairing them up with a buddy using small-group instruction and activities encouraging participation, independence, and assertiveness in all classroom activities without pressuring them to speak Maintaining communications with parents or guardians is vital to making students with selective mutism feel more at home in school. Back to Articles Related Articles Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a natural part of life, and most of us experience it from time to time. But for some people, anxiety can be extreme. Read More Anxiety Disorders Anxiety is a normal part of growing up, and all kids experience it. But when it becomes extreme, it can interfere with a child's overall happiness. Read More Normal Childhood Fears It's normal for children to feel afraid at times. Parents can help kids feel safe and learn to feel at ease. Read More Fears and Phobias Fear is a normal human reaction that protects us by signaling danger and preparing us to deal with it. Get the facts about fears and phobias and what causes them. Read More Phobias A phobia is strong fear of something. Find out more in this article for kids. Read More School Counselors School counselors can give you all sorts of tips and support on solving problems and making good decisions. But how do you meet with a counselor and what is it like? Find out here. Read More Social Phobia It's natural to feel self-conscious, nervous, or shy sometimes. But for some people, the anxiety that goes with feeling shy or self-conscious can be extreme, and it can take over their lives. Get the facts on social phobia here. Read More Taking Your Child to a Therapist Many children and teens have problems that affect how they feel, act, or learn. Going to therapy helps them cope better, feel better, and do better. Read More 504 Education Plans If your child has special needs in the classroom, he or she may be eligible for a government-supported learning plan. Read More Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) Some kids may be eligible for individualized education programs in public schools, free of charge. Understanding how to access these services can help you be an effective advocate for your child. Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.