Selective Mutism
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Barkha ChikaraChief Medical Officer, MD (Psychiatry) from NIMHANS · Last reviewed October 2026Selective mutism is an anxiety condition in which a child who speaks normally at home stays silent in certain places, most often school. It is not stubbornness or choice, and it is not autism. It improves with gentle, gradual therapy and support from parents and school.
About 1 in 10 adults in India lives with a mental disorder (National Mental Health Survey, 2015-16). You are not alone.
At a glance
Common signs
- Consistent failure to speak in specific situations
- Normal speech at home
- Visible anxiety or freezing when expected to speak
- Avoidance behaviours
How it is usually treated
- CBT for children
- Behavioural interventions
- Family guidance
- School collaboration
Where to start
A free pre-consultation call, then a video assessment with a psychiatrist. In danger? Call 112, or Tele-MANAS on 14416.
Book your free pre-consultation callRegistered clinicians: psychiatrists with their State Medical Council, psychologists with the Rehabilitation Council of India.
Signs
Tick any that feel familiar. This is not a diagnosis, only a clinician can assess you.
0 ticked. If these have been with you for a while, a free pre-consultation call is a good next step.
Book your free pre-consultation callHow people often describe it
- “My child talks at home but not at school”
- “I freeze and cannot speak in some places”
- “My child stays silent with strangers”
- “Speaking in class feels impossible”
People who live with selective mutism may also notice social anxiety, anxiety or separation anxiety. If any of these sound familiar, mention them to your clinician so your plan can cover them.
When to get help soon
Get help soon if a child is falling behind at school or becoming isolated. Call Tele-MANAS on 14416 or 112 if anyone has thoughts of self-harm.
How it is diagnosed
A psychiatrist meets the parents and the child, and often hears from the school. They check how and where the child speaks, and whether language, hearing or developmental differences are involved.
Treatment and support
- CBT-based therapy for children, with no pressure to speak
- Gradual steps, from comfortable non-verbal communication towards speech
- Guidance for parents on responding without pressure
- Close working with teachers
How Mindly helps
Mindly's psychiatrists work with parents and, with consent, the school to plan small steps. All care is online, by video.
Your first appointment
A psychiatrist asks what worries or fears show up, when, and what you avoid because of them, and rules out other causes.
Who is involved
Your psychiatrist can prescribe if medicine would help, and a clinical psychologist can teach skills such as CBT and exposure-based work.
Between sessions
You practise skills between sessions, and reviews look at what is getting easier.
What to expect
- Free pre-consultation callWe take your history and details, and match you with the right clinician.
- First consultationA video call in your language, with a clinician who already has your report.
- Your planYour clinician agrees a plan with you: therapy, medicine or both, as suits you.
- Follow-up reviewsRegular check-ins, and your plan is adjusted as you recover.
- Staying wellSupport to keep you well and catch early signs of a setback.
Every Mindly plan includes a second opinion from our Chief Medical Officer, a diagnosis-first approach and regular tracking of your recovery. How Mindly care works
Book your free pre-consultation callYour privacy and confidentiality. What you share with Mindly Health stays between you and your care team. Your conversations, reports and messages are treated as confidential and shared only with the team members involved in your care, apart from the limited cases where the law requires it or someone's safety is at serious risk. Read our Privacy Policy and your rights under the Mental Healthcare Act.
Common questions
Is selective mutism a choice?
No. The child wants to speak but anxiety makes it very hard. Pressure usually makes it worse.
Will my child grow out of it?
Some do, but support early on works better than waiting.
How can I help at home?
Avoid forcing or rewarding speech, praise brave attempts calmly, and talk to the school.
Clinicians with a focus in this area
Dr. Samarth S ShettyPsychiatrist
Dr. Nevedita DasPsychiatrist - Telepsychiatry & Evidence-Based Care
Ms. Kamakshi SabharwalClinical Psychologist
Ms. Janvi KhokharClinical Psychologist
Dr. Pooja RaniPsychiatrist
Online care in your city
Every consultation is by video, from wherever you are. Choose your city to see how it works.