In October 2020, I was delighted to be invited by Kelly from Selective Mutism Help to speak about the role of the Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) in supporting children and young people with selective mutism (SM). It was a meaningful opportunity to contribute to a wider conversation about how we can better understand and support individuals who experience this often misunderstood anxiety disorder.

If you’d like to explore the summit and its valuable resources, you can still access it here:
https://www.selectivemutismhelp.com/

Understanding Selective Mutism Beyond Speech

One of the key messages I shared during the summit is that selective mutism is not simply a speech difficulty, it is a complex anxiety-based condition. As Speech and Language Pathologists, we bring valuable expertise in communication, but our role must extend far beyond focusing on speech alone.

Communication is multifaceted. It includes:

• Nonverbal interaction
• Emotional expression
• Social engagement
• Environmental comfort and safety

If we focus only on whether a child is speaking, we risk missing the bigger picture. Instead, we need a clear, holistic understanding of the child’s communication profile and the contexts in which they feel able—or unable—to communicate.

The Importance of a Clear, Individualised Approach

Every child with selective mutism is different. That’s why having a clear, individualised plan is essential. This plan should consider:

• The child’s anxiety triggers
• Their current level of communication (verbal and nonverbal)
• The environments in which they feel safe
• The people they feel most comfortable with

Our role as SLPs is to help build communication gradually, respectfully, and without pressure, ensuring that the child feels supported rather than overwhelmed.

Moving Beyond Speech: Building Connections

While I didn’t focus on the neuroscience of selective mutism during my talk, one aspect I emphasised strongly was the power of connection.

Supporting a child with selective mutism is never the responsibility of one person alone. It requires a connected network of support, including:

• Parents and caregivers
• School staff and educators
• Extended family members (such as grandparents)
• Other parents navigating similar experiences
• Therapists and professionals

As Speech and Language Pathologists, our role is often that of a liaison, bringing these people together, ensuring consistency, and creating a shared understanding of the child’s needs.

The SLP as a Liaison and Advocate

A crucial part of our work is helping everyone around the child feel informed, confident, and aligned. This includes:

• Guiding parents on how to support communication at home
• Collaborating with schools to create safe speaking opportunities
• Encouraging extended family to understand and respect the child’s communication style
• Connecting families with peer support networks

When everyone is working together, the child experiences a more predictable, supportive environment, one where communication can grow naturally over time.

Why This Work Matters

Selective mutism can be isolating, not just for the child, but for the entire family. By broadening our role beyond speech and focusing on relationships, environments, and emotional safety, we can make a lasting difference.

It was truly an honour to contribute to the Selective Mutism Help summit and to share these insights with a wider audience. The conversation around selective mutism is evolving, and as professionals, we must continue to evolve with it.

Final Thoughts

Speech and Language Pathologists play a vital role in supporting individuals with selective mutism, but our greatest impact comes when we:

• See communication as more than speech
• Work collaboratively with families and schools
• Act as connectors and advocates
• Focus on the whole child, not just the symptom

If you’re a parent, professional, or educator looking to deepen your understanding, I highly recommend exploring the resources available through Selective Mutism Help.

Together, we can create environments where every child feels safe, supported, and able to communicate in their own time and way

Anna Biavati
Speech Therapist, Creator of the Brave Muscle Method, Founder of Steps To Brave Talking
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