Selective Mutism (SM) Support Resources

What is Selective Mutism (SM)?

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A different way of communicating under pressure

Selective Mutism is an anxiety-based condition where a person who is capable of speaking feels unable to do so in certain settings or with certain people. At home, they might speak freely, while at school or in public, words can feel completely stuck. This isn’t rudeness or refusal to speak, it’s a genuine feeling of being “frozen.” With patience, understanding, and gentle supports, children and adults with SM can build confidence and find their voice in all environments.

Selective Mutism looks different for everyone

No two people with Selective Mutism experience it the same way. Some may only speak with close family, others may whisper but not use a normal voice, while some avoid speaking altogether in certain places. What’s shared is that speaking feels unsafe or overwhelming not that the person doesn’t want to talk. Recognising this helps us respond with compassion rather than pressure.

Support should create safety, not force speech

Trying to push or demand speech can increase fear and make SM harder to overcome. Support should focus on reducing anxiety, building safe relationships, and gradually expanding comfort zones at a pace that feels manageable. With understanding and tailored strategies, individuals with SM can develop confidence and learn to communicate more freely in all areas of life.

Championing People with Selective Mutism

Finding your voice can take time. We work alongside children, teens, and adults with SM to create calm, supportive environments where communication feels safe, never forced.

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Creating safe, low-pressure spaces

We help set up settings where the person feels relaxed and free to communicate in their own way.

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Building trust and social confidence

Through gradual exposure and supportive relationships, we help individuals feel safer engaging with peers and adults.

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Supporting emotional regulation

We guide families and educators in recognising signs of anxiety and using calming tools to reduce stress.

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Developing personalised communication plans

We work with families, schools, and services to create consistent, gentle approaches that help expand comfort zones.

Encouraging non-verbal communication

We support alternative ways of expressing needs (gestures, writing, devices) to build confidence without pressure to speak.

Guiding families through therapy and support systems

We collaborate with psychologists, speech therapists, and educators to ensure holistic, neuroaffirming support.

How we can help people with Selective Mutism?

Whole Family Developmental Support →

  • Coaching for families to support communication without pressure

  • Visual tools and non-verbal communication strategies for daily life

  • Guidance for siblings and carers to build connection through patience and play

Functional Capacity & Needs Assessments →

  • Assessments to understand communication needs in different settings

  • Recommendations for support at school, home, and in the community

  • NDIS planning focused on communication, social goals, and inclusion

Skill-Building and Communication Support →

  • Visual supports, assistive technology, and confidence-building activities

  • Coaching for peer interaction and social participation without pressure

  • Support for finding alternative ways to express needs and emotions

Positive Behaviour Support →

  • Behaviour strategies that reduce anxiety around speaking

  • Step-by-step support plans to build confidence in safe environments

  • Training for educators and support workers to respond gently and consistently

Psychology and Mental Health →

  • Therapy to support anxiety, self-expression, and emotional regulation

  • Gradual exposure strategies in collaboration with family and school

  • Strength-based approaches that build safety and trust

Regional Intensives →

  • Practical support for families and schools in remote areas

  • Hands-on strategies delivered in the child’s natural environment

  • Ongoing collaboration with schools and communities for long-term success

Say G’day today and we can work together to see what we can do to support you.