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This section was created for families, teachers, professionals, and anyone who wants to learn more about selective mutism.

The books, videos, academic studies, and websites shared here have been compiled based on guidance from expert institutions. Our goal is to bring different resources together in one place so that everyone can chart their own path with greater awareness and confidence.

Some resources may help children feel less alone.
Some may help adults better understand the process.
Others are for those who want to explore the topic more deeply.

If you know of additional resources that could be helpful, we would truly appreciate you sharing them with us.
We hope to grow this space together.

A Small Note

The content on this page consists of the resources we came across and researched during my sister's journey. The information shared here is not intended as medical or therapeutic advice.

Every child's experience is different, and professional support should be sought when necessary.

There is no advertising or promotional relationship with any of the books, accounts, or platforms listed here.

This section exists solely to make access to different resources easier.

Books for Children

While my sister was going through this process, we searched for a Turkish children's book that explained selective mutism in a way that would help her feel understood and less alone. Unfortunately, we couldn't find one. However, we discovered that there were many books written in English on this topic.

When I went to the United States for summer school, I bought all of those books for her to read.

As she read them, I saw her begin to feel safer. She could say, "I'm like this too."
The stories reminded her that she was not alone.

Today, she has moved beyond her silence. She now reads those same books aloud in her own voice for children who are going through this journey and may not yet be able to read themselves. We hope that children who listen to these stories in her voice will recognize themselves in the characters and say, "I can do this too."

Sessiz Maestro – Dilşah Ünlü

My Turkish teacher, Dilşah Ünlü — who witnessed my sister's journey for two years, never once hearing her voice during that time, and later became part of her therapy process — wrote a book titled Sessiz Maestro to raise awareness about selective mutism.

Very soon, this book will be available in bookstores. It will be the first Turkish children's book written specifically to raise awareness about selective mutism.

If you have recommendations for similar books in other languages, we would love for you to share them with us. Perhaps children who have overcome silence can read these books in different languages for others who are still on their journey.

Our dream is to create a small book corner where children from every language can find themselves reflected in a story.

Books for Adults

This section includes books for parents, teachers, and close family members who want to learn more about selective mutism. The resources here aim to help adults better understand the process and see how they can support children in daily life.

Podcasts & Videos

Here you will find expert explanations, family experiences, and audio-visual content created to raise awareness about selective mutism.

Research Articles

This section contains scientific studies published on selective mutism. The articles are presented directly as original sources, without interpretation.

Social Media Accounts

This section features accounts that share content related to selective mutism. These include expert accounts, families who share under parental guidance, and adults who have personally experienced the process and now share their stories.

Websites

Here you can find websites that provide information about selective mutism, publish guides, and offer resources for families.

Bravery Grows

VOCAL

What Is Selective Mutism? | Child Mind Institute

Bjorem Speech® DIR-SM Selective Mutism Speech Therapy Deck

The Bravery Grows Journal & Workbook

Bravery Building Journal & Workbook
The First Evidence-Based Workbook & Journal for Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety: Developed by Psychologists, Designed to Grow Bravery and Resilience
By Dr. Melissa Giglio & Daisy Geddes (@braverygrows)

The Bravery Grows Journal and Workbook, created by child psychologist Dr. Melissa Giglio and Daisy Geddes, authors of the acclaimed book “Bravery Grows,” is a unique six-month guided journal designed to support children ages 4–12 in building bravery and overcoming anxiety-related challenges, including issues like selective mutism and social anxiety.

This pioneering, evidence-based journal and workbook gently guides children and their families through a series of structured activities rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy. Each week, children explore fun skill-building tasks and age-appropriate exposures that gradually increase their comfort in anxiety-provoking situations. The journal offers a safe, encouraging space to set goals, celebrate achievements, and reflect on progress.

Key features include:
Step-by-step Exposure Activities: Clear, developmentally appropriate exercises designed to gently expand comfort zones, based on best-practice CBT and exposure techniques.
Psychoeducation for Parents & Children: Explanations to help families understand how anxiety functions and why facing fears, instead of avoiding them, builds lasting confidence.
Engaging Activities: Exploring planning, reflecting, and role-playing to make practicing bravery fun and practical for even the youngest participants. Includes CBT-based activities, exposure exercises, and evidence-based child anxiety support.
Goal-Tracking & Progress Charts: Children and parents can see achievements and stay motivated as they go through their bravery journey.
Easy Access Resource: Beneficial for families waiting for professional services or wanting to reinforce therapy at home.
What Makes This Journal and Workbook Special?
Evidence-Based Approach: Grounded in CBT and Exposure Therapy techniques, utilized by psychologists specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders
Guidance with Flexibility: The thoughtful, structured approach provides weekly challenges for the child to engage in that can be utilized at an individualized pace
Anxiety Toolkit: Includes reference sections for coping strategies, grounding techniques, and psychoeducation
Caregiver Support: Includes a caregiver support section guiding your child's bravery journey.
Everyday Language: Accessible to all, no mental health experience needed
Created by psychologists who specialize in childhood anxiety across clinical, school, and community settings. This journal and workbook serves as a bridge for children who need support in building their world beyond worries. Perfect for any child struggling with anxiety, including selective mutism, social anxiety disorder, and emotional regulation challenges, or simply wanting to grow their bravery. This journal meets you exactly where your children are—whether they have started building their bravery or are just beginning.

For more insights, activities, and encouragement, visit @braverygrows on Instagram and bravemightyminds.com

Quiet: A poem about selective mutism

The Selective Mutism Treatment Guide

The Selective Mutism Treatment Guide: Manuals for Parents, Teachers, and Therapists, second edition is double the size of the first edition and it includes new sections on treating older children and teens, the use of technology in treating SM with a list of useful apps, raising a shy child, treating SM in the clinic setting, and much more. It includes beautiful and inspiring case studies of children and teens overcoming SM using this approach.
It is an innovative, effective approach to the treatment of selective mutism, which is based both on rich clinical experience helping hundreds of children overcome SM, and on evidence-based understanding of how selective mutism best treated. It includes separate manuals written for parents, school or kindergarten staff, and therapists, each with concrete, effective, tried and tested ways of helping the child with selective mutism. It is designed to be a positive and empowering experience for the child and his family.

This guide is aimed at professionals and lay people alike: For parents and relatives of children with SM, it offers a valuable resource to understand the condition, with programs and tools to help the child improve their verbal and social communication. For teachers and therapists,it provides a guide to understand and practical tools to treat the disorder.

The Parents' Manual includes sections about how SM can affect your child and family, how to speak to your child about SM, how to treat SM, how to lower your child's anxiety, and how to work together with the school or kindergarten to help your child. It outlines effective interventions that parents can carry out at home and in school to help their child overcome SM and attain improved social communication skills.

The Teacher's Manual includes: a description of SM and its possible causes, understanding the child with SM, how SM presents in school, an overview of how to treat SM, and a variety of interventions and programs for teachers to implement in school.

There are two Therapist's Manuals – one for younger children, and the second for teens and adults, with cognitive-behavioral techniques specifically for use in treating SM. There are sections on the definition and causes of SM, methods of assessment, levels of SM, planning therapy, and detailed, step-by-step descriptions of the stages of therapy, including initial home-based therapy followed by school-based sessions.

Shylo starts School

Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism

Shylo Makes a Friend

The Selective Mutism Resource Manual

Shylo joins the School Band

The Selective Mutism Workbook for Parents and Professionals

Why doesn’t Alice talk at school?

Supporting your Child with Selective Mutism

My name is Eliza and I don’t talk at school

Being Brave With Selective Mutism

My name is Ben and I don’t talk sometimes

Treating Selective Mutism as a Speech-Language Pathologist

Lola’s words disappeared

Selective Mutism In Children And Teenagers

Dive into the second edition of "Selective Mutism In Children And Teenagers," a comprehensive treatment guide designed to equip parents, teachers, and therapists with effective strategies for addressing the unique challenges posed by selective mutism in children. In this updated edition, "Still Waters Run Deep," you'll find expanded insights, practical manuals, and empowering tools that promote understanding, communication, and growth in children dealing with selective mutism.

Comprehensive Resources for Every Role: This guide provides tailored manuals for parents, teachers, and therapists, offering a holistic approach to addressing selective mutism. Whether you're a caregiver, educator, or mental health professional, you'll find the tools you need to help children overcome their communication challenges.

Understanding Selective Mutism: Delve into the intricacies of selective mutism with comprehensive insights that shed light on the underlying factors contributing to this condition. Gain a deeper understanding of the emotional landscape of children experiencing selective mutism and learn how to create a supportive environment for their growth.

Effective Strategies for Parents: Parents will discover practical techniques for fostering open communication at home, building trust, and nurturing their child's self-esteem. Empower yourself with strategies that help your child gradually find their voice and embrace self-expression.

Empowering Teachers: Equip teachers with invaluable tools to create a classroom environment that encourages participation, social interactions, and self-assurance. From communication strategies to classroom adjustments, this guide empowers educators to foster a supportive atmosphere.

Comprehensive Therapist Manuals: Mental health professionals will benefit from comprehensive manuals that outline evidence-based therapies, including exposure strategies, desensitization techniques, and cognitive-behavioral interventions. These resources are designed to guide therapists in providing effective treatment for children with selective mutism.

Real-Life Case Studies: Explore real-life case studies that illustrate the transformational journey of children as they overcome selective mutism. Gain insights into the progress, challenges, and triumphs experienced by children and their support networks.

Updated Insights and Research: This second edition incorporates the latest research and insights in the field of selective mutism treatment, ensuring that you have access to the most up-to-date information and effective strategies.

Still Waters Run Deep: The subtitle "Still Waters Run Deep" encapsulates the journey of children with selective mutism—individuals with profound thoughts and feelings that may be concealed by silence. This guide empowers parents, teachers, and therapists to help these children find their voice and thrive.

Empower yourself with the knowledge and tools to make a difference in the lives of children facing selective mutism. "Selective Mutism In Children And Teenagers" is your comprehensive guide to understanding, addressing, and nurturing the communication journey of these children, fostering growth, confidence, and self-expression.

Leo’s Words Disappeared

Helping Children Find Their Voice

Leo’s words disappeared and came back

Unlock your child’s voice

Maya’s Voice

Effective strategies for overcoming selective mutism in children

Understanding Katie

Effective Strategies for Overcoming Selective Mutism in Children

Silent Sam: A Journey through Selective Mutism

Effective Strategies for Overcoming Selective Mutism in Children

The Little Voice that Grew

Effective Solutions for Selective Mutism in Kids

The Loudest Roar: A book aboout selective mutism

Powerful Tips to Combat Selective Mutism in Kids

I Am Brave

Powerful Strategies for Overcoming Selective Mutism in Children

Mason is Learning to Roar

Empowering Techniques to Help Children Conquer Selective Mutism

C.J. Doesn’t Talk

Powerful Techniques to Help Children Overcome Selective Mutism

My Friend Daniel Doesn’t Talk

When outgoing Ryan meets Daniel, a boy who is too afraid to talk in school or other places outside of his home, he befriends the silent boy, defending him in school to the other children. Their friendship grows, and Daniel feels comfortable enough to talk to his new friend. Ryan's tendency to 'talk too much' enables him to help Daniel in the classroom, and he hopes for the day when his friend will be able to talk in school so that the other children may get to know the 'real' Daniel. In the meantime, he is willing to continue to be a friend to Daniel until that day. This beautifully illustrated story book is for children with severe shyness, social anxiety or selective mutism to see that they can make a friend like Ryan. It is also a helpful tool for friends of children like Daniel to understand why these children are unable to talk in certain settings.The theme - of accepting others who are different while trying to emphasise with them - is a universal one, and therefore this book may be enjoyed by all children aged from 4 to 8. While the story should not be read to the class while the child is present or without his or her permission, this book is an invaluable tool for teachers trying to understand selective mutism, and wanting to explain it to their students. For comprehensive advice and information on selective mutism, please see "The Selective Mutism Resource Manual" (Speechmark, 2001). BMA Medical Book Competition Winner Highly Commended in the BMA Patient Information Awards (Printed Materials), "My Friend Daniel Doesn't Talk" really impressed the judges: 'This leaflet has been written by a parent of a child with selective mutism who has written numerous articles on the subject'.'It is written for children to help explain some of the issues around children who 'don't talk' and has been beautifully produced and introduces a sensitive topic via a lovely story about friendship which is a great way to engage with children and inform them about a subject without making it 'an issue' and risk stigmatising a child even more...I loved the illustrations and the characters were portrayed with a gentleness and sensitivity which made the story very likeable. The humour in the story is subtle and effective and unlike many 'stories with a message' written for children, this book is a pleasurable read in its own right, and stands up as a lovely story book, but with the added bonus of including the universal theme of 'being different' and in particular providing a basic explanation for selective mutism. I really loved this book'.'What really came through, is that it was written with real thought, care and from someone who really understands and empathises with the subject matter. Well done!'.

Understanding Selective Mutism

Unspoken Words: A Child’s View of Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism In Our Own Words

Overcoming Selective Mutism

A Letter to My Teacher

Can I Tell You About Selective Mutism?

Selective Mutism

Raising Voices

Helping Children and Teens Overcome Selective Mutism

The cat did not eat my tongue

Finding Your Voice

Aria Finds Her Voice

Learning to Play the Game: My Journey Through Silence

Benny Beats His Shyness

Treatment for Children with Selective Mutism

Too Shy for Show-and-Tell

A Teacher’s Guide To Selective Mutism

What to Do When You Feel Too Shy

The Ideal Classroom for the Selectively Mute Child

I Am Quiet

Finding Your Voice

It’s Okay To Be Quiet

Tackling Selective Mutism

Worry Shy

Helping Children with Selective Mutism and Their Parents

Sometimes I’m Shy

Brave Hearts, Silent Voices

A Path to Empowering Children with Selective Mutism
Is your child talkative at home but suddenly silent in public? Do they point or nod instead of answering questions when strangers are around? Or perhaps they don’t respond at all, especially at school? If these behaviors persist and are affecting your child’s life, they may have selective mutism.
For parents, it can be heartbreaking and confusing to see your child struggle this way. You might wonder if it’s just shyness or something more. Meanwhile, teachers often feel lost when faced with a student who refuses to speak, unsure of how to help without making things worse. Unfortunately, well-meaning efforts can sometimes backfire, leaving the child even more isolated.

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a child is unable to speak in certain social settings—like school or public places—despite talking freely at home. It usually starts early in life. These children aren’t just being shy; they’re physically unable to speak because of overwhelming anxiety and panic. This can leave them feeling frustrated, embarrassed, and misunderstood as they long to express themselves but find their voice frozen by fear.
Helping a child with selective mutism can be a challenging journey. Whether you’re a parent suspecting your child might have this condition, a teacher noticing a student’s struggle, or a caregiver wanting to offer support, the key lies in collaboration. Working together—parents, teachers, caregivers, and mental health professionals—can create a network of support that’s vital for helping the child find their voice.

Brave Hearts, Silent Voices is here to lighten the burden for everyone involved in the life of a child with selective mutism. Through relatable stories and clear explanations, this book helps you understand what selective mutism is, its characteristics, and dispels common myths. You’ll find effective intervention techniques that guide parents and teachers in supporting children through their day-to-day challenges, helping them gain confidence, and ultimately, find their voice.

You’ll also learn how to prepare children with selective mutism for success in school and life, and discover strategies to prevent relapse and address other concerns. A child’s ability to communicate can pave the way for success in friendships, academics, and beyond. When a child is hesitant to speak outside the home, it can be frustrating for everyone involved—but with gentle guidance and unwavering care, every child can break free from silence and rediscover their voice.

Brave Hearts, Silent Voices offers a path to healing, growth, and new possibilities for children who have known only silence. It speaks to the quiet corners of a child's heart, carried by those who believe in the power of a child's voice.

My Silent Voice

Selective Mutism Explained

The Nervous Noodle

Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism

Embarking on a Journey: Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism
Navigating the world of selective mutism (SM) as a parent can often feel overwhelming and solitary. "Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism: Resources, Treatments, and Speech Therapy Games" by Cora DeLyne equips you with vital resources and understanding, transforming you into your child's biggest advocate.

Demystifying SM: The Comprehensive Selective Mutism Manual
In this detailed and compassionate Selective Mutism Treatment Guide, DeLyne demystifies selective mutism—an anxiety disorder that prevents a child from speaking in specific scenarios. Leveraging her extensive research, DeLyne acquaints you with the symptoms, potential causes, and common misconceptions surrounding Selective Mutism. She further elucidates various treatment methodologies, including Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), while also addressing considerations for medication.

Creating a Supportive Environment: Family Dynamics and Self-Care in Dealing with Selective Mutism
DeLyne delves into the potent role of home and family dynamics, going beyond medical and therapeutic aspects. This selective mutism manual provides practical advice on nurturing a child with Selective Mutism, initiating conversations about the condition with them and their siblings, and offering crucial self-care tips for parents.

Practical Application: Selective Mutism Games and Activities
This book truly shines in its practical application, offering an extensive range of speech therapy Selective Mutism games and activities catered to various age groups. These selective mutism games can be seamlessly incorporated at home, transforming therapy into an enjoyable bonding experience.

Navigating School with Selective Mutism: Collaborating and Communicating
Navigating educational settings forms a crucial part of managing Selective Mutism. DeLyne imparts insights on collaborating with your child's school, understanding IEP and 504 plans, and strategies for promoting classroom communication. She even provides a letter you can send your child's classroom teacher that explains Selective Mutism.

Added Resources: Extensive Support for the SM Journey
Within this book, you'll find a valuable compilation of Selective Mutism resources. These resources include online communities, literature, parent support groups, and even a letter template for your child's classroom teacher.

Journeying Through Selective Mutism: Encouragement and Hope
Throughout your journey with SM, this selective mutism treatment guide provides encouragement and hope. DeLyne offers guidance for handling challenges and setbacks while extending words of inspiration for the path ahead.

The Unparalleled Companion: Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism
This book is more than just a selective mutism treatment guide; it's a testament that you are not alone. Whether you're new to the world of Selective Mutism or seeking fresh insights and strategies, "Helping Your Child with Selective Mutism" stands as an invaluable ally, aiding you in helping your child find their voice.

I Am Stronger Than Anxiety

The Silence Within

Milo – My Silent Friend

“Milo, My Silent Friend” is more than just a picture book — it is a gentle and powerful story that opens hearts and minds. Designed for children ages 6 and up, as well as for parents, educators, and teachers, this book provides an opportunity for meaningful conversations about friendship, empathy, selective mutism, inclusion, and diversity.

What is selective mutism?
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that mainly affects preschool and school-age children. It prevents them from speaking and verbally interacting in certain social situations, even though they have no difficulties with language or comprehension. For a child who experiences selective mutism, their words remain locked inside, as if in a secret treasure chest. This book aims to shed light on this condition in a way that is accessible, tender, and child-friendly.

The story of Milo and Leo
Milo is a bright, creative boy who loves dinosaurs, superheroes, and building tall towers with colorful blocks. At home, he talks endlessly, telling stories and sharing his thoughts. But at school, Milo’s voice seems to vanish. He doesn’t answer his teachers, Giulia and Jessica, and he doesn’t speak to his classmates.

The story is narrated by Leo, his best friend, who never gives up on Milo. Through Leo’s eyes, readers witness the struggles and emotions of both children — Milo, who longs to speak but cannot, and Leo, who is determined to stand by his friend with patience and kindness. Step by step, Leo learns that friendship doesn’t need to be forced; it grows through love, respect, and the courage to wait.

Themes and values
This book gently explores:

Friendship and inclusion – showing children that differences make relationships special.
Empathy and kindness – teaching young readers how small gestures can make a big difference.
Patience and respect – helping children understand that everyone has their own rhythm and needs.
Awareness of selective mutism – offering a way for parents, educators, and peers to better understand and support children with this condition.

Why this picture book is special

Full-color illustrations with a warm, childlike style that will capture young readers’ attention.
A story told through the eyes of a child, making it easier for kids to relate to and understand.
A valuable tool for teachers, school counselors, speech therapists, and families who want to approach sensitive topics with compassion.
Encourages discussion in classrooms about emotions, special educational needs, and the importance of being kind and inclusive.
💡 Who is this book for?

Children ages 6-9 who enjoy illustrated stories with heartwarming messages.
Parents looking for stories about emotions, feelings, friendship, and inclusion.
Teachers and educators who want a resource to address diversity and special needs in the classroom.
Families of children experiencing selective mutism or social anxiety, who want a story that reflects their reality in a hopeful and supportive way.

Suffering in Silence

Oh, She’s Just Shy!

Selective mutism in the school setting

Where DId Shivi’s Words Go?

Finding Voice

When Nora Found Her Voice

Supplement to The Silence Within

Talking is Not My Thing

Selective Mutism in Children

But I’m Not Ready

My Loud Silence

Feel disconnected from your child? Feel your child has disconnected from the world? Want help to feel reconnected? Then this is the right resource for your family. Help your child find their voice and connect with their surroundings.

My child is my biggest achievement and passion, growing up she really struggled with her emotions and Managing stress from the daily struggles of high functioning autism and sensory issues.From a young age she mastered how to mask and present herself with grace manners and strategise into the model student in school or on outings with myself, family and friends. She always did what she thought was expected in a perfect world, this caused her to suffer in the most cruel way LOUDLY trapped in her own mind , unable to speak out loud scared with thousands of worries and racing thoughts in her perfect little mind . She became emotionally burnout and exhausted this would cause her body to physically shut down but her mind very much so 100 mph.

As a parent this frustration of feeling helpless and in state of constant worry for my child, I slowly began to learn so much about my daughter and her condition and found which coping strategies worked best for her, we grew together. There was days I felt I failed but we pushed on through for a new day as we are only human right ? The key is CONSISTENCY and don’t push…no pressure let them lead at their pace , just don’t give up keep hope . She’s really inspired me to help others who have to overcome the same struggles, I’m currently writing a book and creating resources such as this journal, since this is the tool I used and created for my own child throughout her childhood and was and still continues to be successful for us to connect Verbally…I want to spread awareness of Selective Mutism and help others have a better understanding of the condition and also help reach out other parents and children who face the same struggles of the real impact this has on their life …having full range of excellent vocabulary but inability to vocalise it, huge burden and trapped by their own silence.
My daughter Maisie-Cay inspired me to want to help create a safe place for Children struggling with Selective Mutism , I really hope this journal can help someone you love to feel heard and help you both feel connected the same way it has done for me and daughter.

Silent Sally Speaks