Silence can have several causes. Selective mutism is a severe anxiety disorder that mostly affects children. It is treated with therapy sometimes combined with medication. The entourage has an important role in helping the child who suffers from selective mutism. 

Mutism means the suspension of speech, in an adult or a child. It can be total or partial, global or selective, permanent or transitory. This mutism can be caused by a paralysis: it is akinetic mutism. It can also be observed disorders like autism or schizophrenia. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which an individual, most often a child who is normally able to speak, is unable to do so in particular situations, for example in the presence of strangers, at school, etc. 

Selective mutism can have different degrees: some children do not speak for years, some only speak to children and only nod at adults speaking to them. 

Mute children have normal intelligence and no difficulty with spoken language. Their silence is a handicap in school and social life. 

2% of children, most often girls, suffer from selective mutism. This anxiety disorder usually starts before the age of 5. Selective mutism is certainly the combination of family and environmental factors. Most children with mutism have a family history of anxiety.

Namely: a number of children with selective mutism still suffering in adulthood. Adults who suffered from selective mutism as a child are at greater risk of developing phobias. 

Children with selective mutism speak when they are comfortable (at home). When they are in social contexts in which they are anxious, they “turn a deaf ear”, they may refuse to follow certain instructions, they are staring into space and do not look at the person speaking to them, they have difficulty speaking. say simple words like “hello” or “yes or no”. 

Children with selective mutism also most often suffer from social anxiety disorder. They may also have different forms of speech or language disorders, difficulty in being separated from their parents. 

Cognitive behavioral therapies are effective in treating anxiety disorders. This cognitive-behavioral strategies help children control their anxiety. 

Medicines may be prescribed to reduce anxiety, especially when cognitive behavioral therapies do not allow progression. Anti-depressants “specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors” have been shown to help children and adolescents fight anxiety. 

It is important that the care takes place as soon as possible. 

When a child suffers from selective mutism, those around him can help. It is essential not to force the child to speak, but it is also important not to get too excited when the child is speaking. 

Better to inform the entourage (family, friends). Warned, people in contact with the child will surely avoid derogatory remarks. 

To help the child at school, it is good to invite his friends (girlfriends) to the house. Thus, the transfer of speech from home to school may be done more easily.