Websites

Trusted organisations, clinics and health services with reliable information and support on selective mutism.

Websites

Where to Find Reliable Help.

Selective mutism associations, conferences, specialist treatment centres, national health services and professional bodies, alongside blogs and personal stories from parents and people who have lived with selective mutism. Use the tabs to find reliable information, support near you, pages to share with your child’s school, or voices that feel close to your own.

Kurtz Psychology
Selective Mutism Association (SMA)
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health – Selective Mutism
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health – Selective Mutism
NYU Langone – Selective Mutism Service
NYU Langone – Selective Mutism Service
Boston University CARD – Selective Mutism
UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety & Tic Disorders Program
SMIRA
Selective Mutism Foundation (Canada)
SMA Annual Conference 2026
SMF Conference 2023 – Session Recordings
SMF Conference 2023 – Session Recordings
Selective Mutism Masterclass with Maggie Johnson
Selective Mutism Masterclass with Maggie Johnson
Selective Mutism in Teenagers – 2-Day Course (Oct 2026)
Kent Community Health NHS – Free Selective Mutism Training
Buckinghamshire NHS – Selective Mutism Training for All Ages
Child Mind Institute – Selective Mutism Service
SMart Center
Thriving Minds Behavioral Health
Confident Children
Confident Children
Steps to Brave Talking
Steps to Brave Talking
Selective Mutism Clinic (Sydney)
Selective Mutism Clinic (Sydney)
Speech-Freedom
Seattle Children’s – Selective Mutism Group
Child Mind Institute – Quick Guide to Selective Mutism
Child Mind Institute – Quick Guide to Selective Mutism
NHS – Selective mutism
NHS – Selective mutism
HSE – Selective mutism
HSE – Selective mutism
Raising Children Network – Selective mutism
Raising Children Network – Selective mutism
MedlinePlus – Selective mutism
MedlinePlus – Selective mutism
ADAA – Selective Mutism
ABCT Fact Sheet – Selective Mutism
Cleveland Clinic – Selective Mutism
Cleveland Clinic – Selective Mutism
Nationwide Children’s – Selective Mutism
Nationwide Children’s – Selective Mutism
Texas Children’s – Selective Mutism
CHOC – Navigating Selective Mutism in Children
CHOC – Navigating Selective Mutism in Children
Alder Hey – What is Selective Mutism?
NELFT CAMHS – Selective Mutism Resources
Sheffield Children’s – Supporting a Child with Selective Mutism
Selective Mutism University
Selective Mutism University
KidsHealth – Selective Mutism Factsheet for Schools
KidsHealth – Selective Mutism Factsheet for Schools
National Autistic Society – Supporting Children with Selective Mutism
Speech and Language UK – Helping Quiet Children
Devon Education Services – What is Selective Mutism?
ASHA Practice Portal – Selective Mutism
RCSLT – Selective Mutism
RCSLT – Selective Mutism
IASLT – Selective Mutism
Selective Mutism Mom
Brave Voices
Fighting for Words
My Freckled Thoughts
Selective Mutism Through My Eyes
iSpeak
Selective Mutism Network
SM H.E.L.P.
Hey Sigmund – When I Grow Up I Want to Talk
Eleven Years of Silence
Mute Applause
The Duluth Mom – Hear Me Roar
Tell Us a Story – Selective Mutism Has My Daughter’s Face
Good Bye Anxiety, Hello Joy – A Mother’s Story

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Website details

Organisation
Kurtz Psychology Consulting (Dr. Steven Kurtz)
Website
kurtzpsychology.com
Country
USA
Best for
Families & professionals
Access
Paid clinical services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Kurtz Psychology

The New York practice of Dr. Steven Kurtz, a clinical psychologist who previously worked at the NYU Child Study Center and the Child Mind Institute.

It offers PCIT-SM, the Mighty Mouth Kids Camp, groups for selective mutism and social anxiety, parent training, and professional training, including the free Selective Mutism University courses.

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Website details

Organisation
Selective Mutism Association
Website
selectivemutism.org
Country
USA
Best for
Families, educators & professionals
Access
Free information; membership options

Websites · Associations & communities

Selective Mutism Association (SMA)

The leading US nonprofit dedicated entirely to selective mutism, serving families, educators and treating professionals.

It explains what selective mutism is and how it differs from shyness, and offers a directory of treatment providers, virtual parent support meetings, an annual conference, continuing-education webinars, downloadable toolkits for caregivers, educators and paediatricians, and personal stories.

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Stanford Medicine Children’s Health – Selective Mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Stanford Medicine Children’s Health
Website
stanfordchildrens.org
Country
USA
Best for
Parents
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health – Selective Mutism

A health library page from Stanford Medicine Children’s Health.

It explains when selective mutism usually starts, how it is diagnosed by a team of specialists, and treatments such as stimulus fading, shaping and behavioural therapy, stressing that parents and teachers should work together.

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NYU Langone – Selective Mutism Service logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
NYU Langone Health, Child Study Center
Website
nyulangone.org
Country
USA
Best for
Families
Access
Paid clinical services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

NYU Langone – Selective Mutism Service

A specialist selective mutism service at NYU Langone’s Child Study Center in New York.

It provides evaluation, behaviour therapy and CBT, parent training, school consultation and medication when appropriate, plus the Club Courage summer programme for ages 3 to 11, weekend booster groups, multi-day intensives and services for young people aged 12 and over.

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Website details

Organisation
Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, Boston University
Website
bu.edu
Country
USA
Best for
Families
Access
Paid clinical services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Boston University CARD – Selective Mutism

The Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders at Boston University offers assessment, individual therapy and group treatment for children with selective mutism.

Its Brave Bunch programme is a week-long group intensive set up like a classroom, where children practise speaking through guided activities, games and outings.

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Organisation
UCLA Health
Website
teams.semel.ucla.edu
Country
USA
Best for
Families
Access
Free information; clinic services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety & Tic Disorders Program

UCLA’s Child OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program in Los Angeles treats children with selective mutism and other anxiety conditions.

Its information page explains selective mutism and how it is treated, and the clinic offers evaluations and behavioural therapy for children and teenagers, delivered by clinicians in training under expert supervision.

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Website details

Organisation
Selective Mutism Information & Research Association
Website
selectivemutism.org.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Families, teens, adults & professionals
Access
Free

Websites · Associations & communities

SMIRA

A long-established UK charity run by volunteers, offering information and support on selective mutism.

The site has sections for parents, teenagers, adults and professionals, with downloadable leaflets, lists of training courses, book suggestions, videos and ideas for games and toys that encourage talking.

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Website details

Organisation
Selective Mutism Foundation (Dr. Poling Bork)
Website
mutism.ca
Country
Canada
Best for
Families & educators
Access
Free consultation; paid coaching

Websites · Associations & communities

Selective Mutism Foundation (Canada)

A Canadian nonprofit founded by Dr. Poling Bork, a parent whose three children all had selective mutism and author of the book VOCAL.

It offers weekly drop-in group coaching for parents, consultations for families and school staff, research workshops, and connections with coaches who have lived experience of selective mutism. In 2025 it hosted an international Selective Mutism Conference.

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Website details

Organisation
Selective Mutism Association
Website
selectivemutism.org
Country
USA
Best for
Families, professionals & people with SM
Access
Paid registration; free track for people with SM (17+)

Websites · Conferences & events

SMA Annual Conference 2026

The Selective Mutism Association’s international annual conference, held on 25–26 September 2026 at the Hilton Boston Park Plaza, with limited recorded bundles available until 31 January 2027.

It has three tracks, for professionals, for parents and caregivers, and for people with selective mutism aged 17 and over (free). The programme includes a keynote by Dr. Philip C. Kendall, an expert Q&A panel, the “Hear Our Voices” panel with people recovering from selective mutism, research posters and continuing-education credits.

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SMF Conference 2023 – Session Recordings logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Selective Mutism Foundation & Selective Mutism H.E.L.P.
Website
selectivemutismhelp.com
Country
USA
Best for
Parents, educators & therapists
Access
Paid recordings

Websites · Conferences & events

SMF Conference 2023 – Session Recordings

Recordings of the 2023 Selective Mutism Foundation conference in Tampa, Florida, available with lifetime access.

Speakers include Dr. Joleen Fernald (DIR-SM), Dr. Poling Bork, Kelly Melhorn (Selective Mutism H.E.L.P.), author Dr. Dawn Huebner, music therapist Joanna Turner and occupational therapist Kim Hazelton, covering different models of support and the roles of music and occupational therapy.

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Selective Mutism Masterclass with Maggie Johnson logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Course Beetle
Website
coursebeetle.co.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Speech & language therapists, educators & parents
Access
Paid course

Websites · Conferences & events

Selective Mutism Masterclass with Maggie Johnson

A four-module live online course taught by Maggie Johnson, co-author of The Selective Mutism Resource Manual, which runs on several dates each year.

A recorded “View Anytime” version is also available.

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Website details

Organisation
Small Talk SLT Training & Consultancy
Website
bookwhen.com
Country
UK
Best for
Speech & language therapists
Access
Paid course

Websites · Conferences & events

Selective Mutism in Teenagers – 2-Day Course (Oct 2026)

An accredited two-day in-person course on assessing and supporting teenagers with selective mutism, led by Libby Hill and Dawn Tomalin.

It starts on 15 October 2026 at The Globe Centre in Uttoxeter, England, and is listed on SMIRA’s training page.

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Website details

Organisation
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust
Website
kentcht.nhs.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Parents & school staff
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

Kent Community Health NHS – Free Selective Mutism Training

Free online training from Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust’s speech and language therapy team, listed by SMIRA as Maggie Johnson’s free course.

Five self-paced video sessions cover understanding selective mutism, everyday support, a small-steps programme, generalisation and transitions, and older students, each with a downloadable handout.

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Website details

Organisation
Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust
Website
buckshealthcare.nhs.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Parents & education staff
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

Buckinghamshire NHS – Selective Mutism Training for All Ages

A free series of nine recorded webinars from Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust’s children’s speech and language therapy service.

Topics include definitions and diagnosis, speech anxiety, the ABCD approach, techniques for under-fives and older children, setting targets and graded exposure.

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Website details

Organisation
Child Mind Institute
Website
childmind.org
Country
USA
Best for
Families
Access
Paid clinical services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Child Mind Institute – Selective Mutism Service

The specialist selective mutism service of the Child Mind Institute in New York, part of its Anxiety Disorders Center.

It offers evaluations, PCIT-SM (parent-child interaction therapy adapted for selective mutism), school consultation, intensive treatment and the Brave Buddies group programme for children aged 3 to 12.

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Website details

Organisation
Selective Mutism, Anxiety & Related Disorders Treatment Center
Website
selectivemutismcenter.org
Country
USA
Best for
Families & schools
Access
Free resources; paid clinical services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

SMart Center

A treatment centre in Pennsylvania, USA, founded and directed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, author of several books on selective mutism.

It uses her Social Communication Anxiety Treatment (S-CAT®) approach, offering evaluations, individual and group therapy, online consultations, the CommuniCamp™ intensive and school training, alongside a podcast and a self-paced course for educators.

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Organisation
Thriving Minds Behavioral Health (Dr. Aimee Kotrba)
Website
thrivingmindsbehavioralhealth.com
Country
USA
Best for
Families & schools
Access
Paid clinical services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Thriving Minds Behavioral Health

A Michigan practice co-directed by selective mutism specialist Dr. Aimee Kotrba, author of Selective Mutism: An Assessment and Intervention Guide.

It offers weekly therapy, intensive treatment in the clinic or at school, the Confident Kids Camp, parent, school and professional consultations, and recorded training webinars.

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Confident Children logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Confident Children (Lucy Nathanson)
Website
confidentchildren.co.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Families & schools
Access
Free videos; paid services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Confident Children

A London-based selective mutism service founded by child therapist Lucy Nathanson, author of Understanding Selective Mutism: A Beginner’s Guide.

It offers assessment, therapy and parent coaching, including online sessions for families abroad, plus books, online training for schools and parents, and free videos.

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Steps to Brave Talking logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Anna Biavati-Smith
Website
stepstobravetalking.com
Country
UK
Best for
Parents
Access
Paid parent programme

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Steps to Brave Talking

The website of Anna Biavati-Smith, an Edinburgh-based speech and language therapist specialising in selective mutism.

Her “Brave Muscle” approach puts emotional safety before speech. The main offer is a 12-week online programme for parents with masterclasses and school guidance.

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Selective Mutism Clinic (Sydney) logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Selective Mutism Clinic
Website
selectivemutism.com.au
Country
Australia
Best for
Families, teens & adults
Access
Paid clinical services

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Selective Mutism Clinic (Sydney)

A specialist clinic in Sydney, Australia, led by clinical psychologist Dr Elizabeth Woodcock, with a team of psychologists and speech pathologists.

It treats selective mutism and severe social anxiety from preschool age to adulthood, in person and online, and runs support groups, confidence groups, communication intensives and webinars for parents and educators.

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Website details

Organisation
Speech-Freedom (Susannah Thompson)
Website
speech-freedom.co.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Teens, adults & therapists
Access
Free information; paid therapy

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Speech-Freedom

A UK speech and language therapy practice run by Susannah Thompson, a SMIRA trustee trained by Maggie Johnson and Alison Wintgens.

It offers online therapy, particularly for teenagers and adults, training for professionals, and a free downloadable flowchart on getting help for selective mutism in the UK.

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Website details

Organisation
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Website
pulse.seattlechildrens.org
Country
USA
Best for
Families
Access
Hospital programme

Websites · Treatment centres & clinics

Seattle Children’s – Selective Mutism Group

Seattle Children’s Hospital has run an eight-week Selective Mutism Group since 2017, with separate groups for young children and tweens.

The first session is for parents only; the others combine parent and child work through games, crafts and speaking practice. This article follows one girl’s progress through the programme.

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Child Mind Institute – Quick Guide to Selective Mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Child Mind Institute
Website
childmind.org
Country
USA
Best for
Parents
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

Child Mind Institute – Quick Guide to Selective Mutism

A clear, well-organised guide from the Child Mind Institute covering the signs, diagnosis and treatment of selective mutism.

It explains why behaviour therapy, especially PCIT-SM for young children, is the main treatment, and when medication may sometimes be added.

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NHS – Selective mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
National Health Service
Website
nhs.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Everyone
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

NHS – Selective mutism

The UK National Health Service’s page on selective mutism: what it is, its signs, causes and treatment.

It stresses that selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, not a choice, that it can continue into adulthood without help, and that treatment should reduce anxiety through graded steps rather than pressure to speak.

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HSE – Selective mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Health Service Executive
Website
hse.ie
Country
Ireland
Best for
Parents
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

HSE – Selective mutism

Ireland’s national health service explains selective mutism as an intense fear of talking in certain situations, usually starting between ages 2 and 4.

Separate sections cover symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment and practical ways to support a child, and note that selective mutism can be mistaken for shyness or autism.

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Raising Children Network – Selective mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Raising Children Network
Website
raisingchildren.net.au
Country
Australia
Best for
Parents & educators
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

Raising Children Network – Selective mutism

An Australian Government-supported parenting website with a clear guide to selective mutism in children and teenagers.

It describes the signs, advises seeking professional help if a child’s silence lasts more than three months, explains graded exposure and CBT, and gives strategies for parents and teachers.

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MedlinePlus – Selective mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
U.S. National Library of Medicine
Website
medlineplus.gov
Country
USA
Best for
Everyone
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

MedlinePlus – Selective mutism

The US National Library of Medicine’s medical encyclopedia entry on selective mutism.

A short, reliable summary of symptoms, possible causes, diagnosis and treatment, including behavioural therapy involving the family and school.

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Website details

Organisation
Anxiety & Depression Association of America
Website
adaa.org
Country
USA
Best for
Parents
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

ADAA – Selective Mutism

The Anxiety & Depression Association of America’s overview of selective mutism as a childhood anxiety disorder, usually noticed around ages 3 to 4.

It explains how selective mutism differs from shyness, its impact on school and social life, and treatment options, and links to ADAA webinars on the topic.

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Website details

Organisation
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies
Website
abct.org
Country
USA
Best for
Parents & professionals
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

ABCT Fact Sheet – Selective Mutism

A short fact sheet from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.

It defines selective mutism, notes that about 1 in 140 young school children are affected, and describes the evidence-based behavioural and cognitive-behavioural treatments. A printable PDF version is available.

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Cleveland Clinic – Selective Mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Cleveland Clinic
Website
my.clevelandclinic.org
Country
USA
Best for
Everyone
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

Cleveland Clinic – Selective Mutism

Cleveland Clinic’s health library article on selective mutism.

It covers symptoms, causes, diagnosis and treatment options such as CBT, speech therapy and medication, and explains that selective mutism can continue into adulthood if untreated.

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Nationwide Children’s – Selective Mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Nationwide Children’s Hospital
Website
nationwidechildrens.org
Country
USA
Best for
Parents
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

Nationwide Children’s – Selective Mutism

A health library page from Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Ohio.

It explains that children with selective mutism speak normally in some places but cannot in others because of anxiety, stresses that the silence is not a choice, and outlines treatment options.

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Organisation
Texas Children’s Hospital
Website
texaschildrens.org
Country
USA
Best for
Parents
Access
Free information

Websites · Health information

Texas Children’s – Selective Mutism

A condition page from Texas Children’s Hospital.

It explains how selective mutism differs from shyness and autism, and describes gradual, exposure-based treatment and school accommodations provided by the hospital’s psychology service.

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CHOC – Navigating Selective Mutism in Children logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
CHOC Children’s Health Hub
Website
health.choc.org
Country
USA
Best for
Parents
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

CHOC – Navigating Selective Mutism in Children

An article by CHOC paediatric psychologist Dr. Kristen Yule.

It describes the signs of selective mutism and how it differs from shyness or autism, and explains behavioural therapy with caregivers involved, school supports such as 504 plans and IEPs, and why early help matters.

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Website details

Organisation
Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Website
alderhey.nhs.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Parents
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

Alder Hey – What is Selective Mutism?

A patient information leaflet from Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, one of the UK’s largest children’s hospitals.

It explains that selective mutism often appears when a child first spends time outside the family, and recommends early speech and language therapy, taking the pressure off speaking and building trusting relationships.

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Website details

Organisation
NELFT NHS Foundation Trust
Website
nelft.nhs.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Young people, parents & schools
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

NELFT CAMHS – Selective Mutism Resources

A resource hub from NELFT NHS Foundation Trust’s child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS).

It sorts reliable selective mutism materials into sections for young people, parents, and schools and professionals, including leaflets, books, videos and peer-support groups.

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Website details

Organisation
Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust
Website
library.sheffieldchildrens.nhs.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Parents & teachers
Access
Free

Websites · Health information

Sheffield Children’s – Supporting a Child with Selective Mutism

A page from Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust’s resource library.

It explains selective mutism as a fear-based inability to speak in certain settings, how it can overlap with autism, and practical low-pressure strategies such as accepting other forms of communication and using visual timetables.

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Selective Mutism University logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Kurtz Psychology
Website
selectivemutismuniversity.thinkific.com
Country
USA
Best for
Parents, teachers & therapists
Access
Free (sign-up required)

Websites · For schools & professionals

Selective Mutism University

A free online learning platform from Dr. Steven Kurtz’s selective mutism team.

It offers three video courses: a comprehensive introduction to selective mutism, a course on practising speaking out in the community, and supplementary lessons.

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KidsHealth – Selective Mutism Factsheet for Schools logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Nemours KidsHealth
Website
kidshealth.org
Country
USA
Best for
Teachers
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

KidsHealth – Selective Mutism Factsheet for Schools

A one-page factsheet for teachers from Nemours KidsHealth.

It explains selective mutism and suggests classroom accommodations such as non-verbal ways to respond and small-group work, and advises building a supportive relationship, staying in touch with parents and never pressuring the child to speak.

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Organisation
National Autistic Society
Website
autism.org.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Professionals & educators
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

National Autistic Society – Supporting Children with Selective Mutism

A professional-practice article on the National Autistic Society’s knowledge hub, written by selective mutism specialist Lucy Nathanson.

It explains how selective mutism differs from autism-related communication differences, how a child can have both, and how to support them by reducing pressure to speak, offering alternative communication and building trust.

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Organisation
Speech and Language UK (formerly I CAN)
Website
speechandlanguage.org.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Early years & school staff
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

Speech and Language UK – Helping Quiet Children

A guide for educators from Speech and Language UK, the national children’s communication charity.

It helps staff tell ordinary quietness apart from anxiety-based selective mutism, gives classroom strategies, and explains when and where to refer.

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Organisation
Devon County Council
Website
devon.gov.uk
Country
UK
Best for
SENCOs & teachers
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

Devon Education Services – What is Selective Mutism?

Special educational needs guidance for schools from Devon County Council.

It helps staff recognise pupils who may have selective mutism, sets out classroom adjustments, and advises when to refer to speech and language therapy.

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Organisation
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association
Website
asha.org
Country
USA
Best for
Speech-language therapists
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

ASHA Practice Portal – Selective Mutism

The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association’s clinical reference for speech-language pathologists.

It covers prevalence, signs, assessment, working with psychologists, teachers and families, and treatment approaches, with links to research evidence.

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RCSLT – Selective Mutism logo or preview image

Website details

Organisation
Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists
Website
rcslt.org
Country
UK
Best for
Speech & language therapists
Access
Free (some resources for members)

Websites · For schools & professionals

RCSLT – Selective Mutism

Clinical information from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists in the UK.

It describes selective mutism as an anxiety disorder, sets out the role of speech and language therapists in assessment and management, and stresses early intervention.

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Organisation
Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists
Website
iaslt.ie
Country
Ireland
Best for
Parents & professionals
Access
Free

Websites · For schools & professionals

IASLT – Selective Mutism

A resource page from the Irish Association of Speech and Language Therapists.

It explains selective mutism, corrects the common idea that children “choose” not to speak, and gathers handouts, websites, videos and support-group links.

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Written by
Kim, a mother of a child with selective mutism
Website
selectivemutismmom.com
Type
Parent blog
Best for
Parents & caregivers
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Selective Mutism Mom

A blog started in 2026 by Kim, a working mother whose oldest child began an evaluation for selective mutism at around age three.

She writes about everyday steps on the journey: kindergarten screening, IEP meetings, moving to a new school, joining youth sports and the effect on family relationships. She also shares updates on Instagram at @selectivemutismmom.

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Written by
JaNae, a parent
Website
strivingtospeak.com
Type
Parent blog (posts 2018–2019)
Best for
Parents & caregivers
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Brave Voices

A blog written by a parent as a place of hope and inspiration for families of children with selective mutism.

Posts explain techniques such as shaping and fading in, suggest exposure ideas for the holidays, discuss everyday challenges like eating at school, and help parents tell extreme shyness apart from selective mutism.

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Written by
A parent
Website
fightingforwords.com
Type
Parent blog (posts 2019–2020)
Best for
Parents & caregivers
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Fighting for Words

A family blog that follows a young girl named Stevie and her parents through their journey with selective mutism.

Short posts describe ordinary moments, such as Halloween, Thanksgiving and small acts of bravery, and how they feel for a child who speaks freely at home but struggles to talk at school.

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Website
myfreckledthoughts.com
Type
Personal blog
Best for
Parents & caregivers
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

My Freckled Thoughts

A personal blog linked from its author’s Instagram profile, sharing thoughts and experiences around selective mutism.

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Written by
Leah Z., an adult who had selective mutism
Website
selectivemutismandspecialeducation.blogspot.com
Type
Personal blog (posts 2017–2021)
Best for
Teachers, parents & adults
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Selective Mutism Through My Eyes

A blog by an adult looking back on her own childhood with selective mutism and her experience of special education.

Her posts reflect on why she did not talk, what helped her feel accepted as a whole person, and where school approaches fell short. The tone is personal and at times critical, offering a useful perspective for teachers and parents.

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Organisation
iSpeak (Carl Sutton)
Website
ispeak.org.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Teens & adults
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

iSpeak

A UK website describing itself as a voice for people with selective mutism, created by Carl Sutton, co-editor of the book Selective Mutism In Our Own Words.

It shares information about the book, which collects first-hand accounts from children, teenagers and adults, and a summary of research findings.

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Founder
Natasha Dale
Website
smnetwork.co.uk
Country
UK
Best for
Families & people with SM
Access
Free

Websites · Associations & communities

Selective Mutism Network

A UK support network founded by Natasha Dale, a lived-experience expert in selective mutism who has spoken at many UK conferences and received a Giving Voice Award from the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists.

The site gathers information about selective mutism, book and video suggestions, events and training, with an approach rooted in creativity, flexibility and fun.

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Founder
Kelly, a parent and Board Certified Behavior Analyst
Website
selectivemutismhelp.com
Best for
Parents, teachers & therapists
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Free resources · paid services

Websites · Associations & communities

SM H.E.L.P.

SM H.E.L.P. (Home Educational Learning Program) was founded by a parent of a child with selective mutism who is also a Board Certified Behavior Analyst.

It runs free online summits, a podcast and a free newsletter, and offers resources for parents, teachers and therapists alongside paid consultations, parent and school training, and workshops.

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Written by
Kathryn Harper
Published on
Hey Sigmund
Year
2015
Type
Personal story
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Hey Sigmund – When I Grow Up I Want to Talk

A guest article by author-illustrator Kathryn Harper about her own childhood with selective mutism.

She describes how overwhelming it felt when people asked why she did not speak, explains how selective mutism differs from shyness, and tells how she eventually found her voice. Her book I Have Something to Say! is listed in Books for Adults.

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Written by
A.K. Rogan
Published on
Medium
Year
2025
Type
Personal story
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Eleven Years of Silence

An essay by a writer who did not speak at school for eleven years and first spoke in a gym class at the age of eleven.

She reflects on how this experience shaped her empathy, her writing and her adult relationships, and why she now makes a point of noticing and including quiet people.

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Written by
Matthew Vetter, a father
Published on
Medium
Year
2018
Type
Personal story
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Mute Applause

An essay by Matthew Vetter, a university professor of English, about his younger son’s selective mutism.

He explores his mixed feelings as a parent who wants to celebrate every small step, while questioning why schools and wider culture so often expect children to “overcome” a difference rather than making room for it.

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Written by
Patsy
Published on
The Duluth Mom
Year
2018
Type
Personal story
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

The Duluth Mom – Hear Me Roar

An article about selective mutism from The Duluth Mom, a local parenting community in Minnesota.

It clears up common myths about the condition and shares one family’s path to treatment and progress.

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Written by
Allyson Wuerth, a mother
Published on
Tell Us a Story
Year
2015
Type
Personal story
Access
Free

Websites · Lived experience

Tell Us a Story – Selective Mutism Has My Daughter’s Face

A true story written by a mother about her daughter Sawyer, who spoke freely at home but stayed silent outside it.

It follows the family as they learn about selective mutism, find therapy and advocate for their child together.

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Written by
Leslie Peckham, a mother
Published on
Good Bye Anxiety, Hello Joy
Year
2019
Type
Personal story
Access
Free article

Websites · Lived experience

Good Bye Anxiety, Hello Joy – A Mother’s Story

A mother’s account of her daughter Mya’s selective mutism, from the first signs and diagnosis through treatment and progress.

It appears on a parenting blog about childhood anxiety; the wider site also sells school-anxiety resources.

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Children reading for children

Share a Reading

A small reading. A story to discover together.
Please complete this form as the child’s parent or legal guardian.

1 The book & recording

Share a link Mini-Talks can open. A short opening passage is enough. Please leave surnames, school names and other identifying details out of the recording.

About the book’s permission (optional)

Permission to share your child’s recording is separate from permission to publish the book passage.

2 The reader & family

Use a first name or nickname, not the child’s full name. Parent contact details are for the submission, not the public reading credit.

Nothing is sent at this step. Next, you can open an email draft to hello@mini-talks.org.

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