For other parents, watching their child go silent in certain situations is bewildering and alarming. At home, they will speak freely, but as they enter a classroom or encounter the unfamiliar face of someone new, they lose the use of words. It’s not being stubborn, rude, or poor parenting—it is usually Selective Mutism (SM), the recognized childhood anxiety disorder that requires delicate, specialist treatment.
At Dubai’s Esperanza, we work with children and families on an ongoing basis in helping overcome the challenges of Selective Mutism. Supported with qualified speech therapists, occupational therapists, and child psychologists, our goal is simple: give each child the confidence and the tools they themselves need in order to find their voice again.
What is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism is one of the anxiety disorders of communication in which children who have no issue communicating in favorable environments (at home) will remain silent in other scenarios (at school, at parties, or even in public).
Unlike being shy, Selective Mutism does not improve over time. Rather, the condition is chronic and significantly disrupts children’s academic, social, and daily lives. Most often, the condition is triggered during the ages of 3 through 6, becoming specifically noticeable when children enter school and have more expectations during social encounters.
How Do Specialists Diagnose Selective Mutism?
Therapists and physicians apply guidelines within the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in order to confirm Selective Mutism. Diagnosis is confirmed when:
- The child fails to communicate in the usual social encounters (e.g., school) but communicates freely in other situations (e.g., at home).
- The absence affects the learning and socialization of the child.
- The behavior persists beyond one month (more than normal adaptation to school).
- The child’s language skills are otherwise age-appropriate.
- The condition cannot be accounted for with the explanation of another condition, like autism or speech disorder.
What Causes Selective Mutism?
There is no single reason. Instead, Selective Mutism is usually the result of various factors:
• The family may pass on anxiety.
• Temperament: Children who are innately sensitive, fearful, or timid may be more vulnerable.
• Brain biology: Overactivity in the part of the brain that processes fear (the amygdala) may produce the feeling of overwhelming speaking.
• Environment: Significant changes like the beginning of school or international moves may provoke symptoms.
Selective Mutism may also co-occur with other conditions such as speech sound disorders, social anxiety, learning differences, or sensory processing disorders. For this reason, the most fruitful treatment is frequently the multidisciplinary model—a blend of speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychology.
Treatment for Selective Mutism in Dubai
Most importantly, parents should know the following: Selective Mutism is treatable. Children can and do learn to talk in all situations with the proper support.
At Dubai’s Esperanza, we offer personalized plans of therapy that focus on the child, the family, and the school environment.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
The most common therapy approach, CBT helps children overcome anxiety in small steps. Therapeutic techniques like graded exposure encourage children in small steps—from whispering, from speaking in whispers, to speaking out.
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Speech Therapy in Dubai
If Speech or Language Delay is present with Selective Mutism, then speech therapy dubai is essential. Our speech therapists use entertaining, low-pressure activities that build confidence as they grow the ability to communicate.
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Occupational Therapy in Dubai
Children with Selective Mutism frequently experience challenges in sensory processing or self-regulation. Our occupational therapy dubai help children be more in control and at ease so that speaking is safer.
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Social Skills Therapy
Programs like CONNECT at Esperanza offer children structured experience in interacting with other children in a supportive, non-intimidative style.
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Parent Training and School Cooperation
Parents and teachers are vital partners. We educate families and teachers how to:
• Encourage pressure-free communication.
• Note small actions (e.g., a smile, nod, or whisper).
• Don’t put children “on the spot.”
• Develop a regular support system at home and at school. -
Medication (When Needed)
Doctors will prescribe medications (such as SSRIs) to treat anxiety in the most severe instances, but only in conjunction with therapy—not instead of.
Common Triggers for Silence
SM children will most likely have difficulty with speaking in the following scenarios:
• authority figures or scary adults.
• Being asked to contribute in the classroom.
• Group activities or big events.
• Noisy or crowded environments.
• Major changes in life like moving to another country or school.
Can Children Overcome Selective Mutism?
Yes. Once identified in the early stages and with continuous encouragement, children with Selective Mutism are able to learn how to speak with confidence in all situations. Though some continue to become socially anxious in their adult lives, therapy significantly diminishes the effects and aids in building strong coping measures.
Myths About Selective Mutism
Selective Mutism is not:
• Autism or developmental delay.
• A form of misbehavior or refusal.
• Just extreme shyness.
• Permanent or untreatable.
Why Dubai Families Prefer Esperanza
• A team of experienced speech therapists, occupational therapists, and psychologists who have over 8 years of experience.
• A family-focused approach that involves parents and teachers.
• Individualised approaches including CBT, play-based therapy, and social communication training.
• Individualized programs, both group and one-on-one, such as the AbRAP Autism Research Partnership.
• A Dubai-based convenient location, readily available for families throughout the city.
Taking the First Step
If you have a silent child in school or in social encounters, then you should act fast. The sooner the intervention is started, the better the results.
At Esperanza, Dubai’s premier center for selective mutism therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, we provide tailored care that lets children build confidence and find their voice again.
📞 Call or WhatsApp us now at +971 55 524 1094 and schedule your consultation appointment as the first step in enabling your child’s development.
