Understanding Selective Mutism: How Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh Can Help

You may know a child who speaks freely at home but remains completely silent at school or in public. While it might be dismissed as extreme shyness, there’s a condition that explains this behavior: Selective Mutism. This is more than being quiet—it’s an anxiety-based communication disorder that affects a child’s ability to speak in certain social settings. At OrbRom Center, we offer specialized speech therapy in Phnom Penh designed to support children with selective mutism and help them find their voice, safely and confidently.

What Is Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder. Children with this condition:

• Speak normally in comfortable environments (usually at home)

• Are consistently silent in other places (like school, therapy, or public)

• Want to speak, but feel unable to, not defiant or oppositional

• May show signs of social anxiety or freeze when expected to talk

It most often appears between the ages of 3 and 6, though it may not be noticed until school begins. Without proper support, it can affect academic learning, friendships, and emotional development.

Also explore: Understanding Selective Mutism

Signs Your Child May Have Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is not the same as speech delay or defiance. Common signs include:

• Your child talks freely at home but never at school or around unfamiliar adults

• They may nod, point, or gesture instead of speaking

• They appear frozen, anxious, or withdrawn in group settings

• Teachers report the child has “never spoken a word” at school

Sometimes, selective mutism is mistaken for autism, ADHD, or a behavioral problem. That’s why a developmental assessment is the best first step. Learn what happens during an assessment

How Speech Therapy Helps Children With Selective Mutism

At OrbRom Center, our speech-language pathologists work closely with children experiencing selective mutism. We focus on:

• Building trust and comfort before expecting speech

• Using non-verbal communication strategies to begin interaction

• Introducing structured routines with low-pressure speaking opportunities

• Gradually expanding from gestures to whispers, then speech

We also use tools such as:

• Visual prompts and storyboards

• Social stories and games that remove pressure

• Sensory-friendly activities like cocoon swings to reduce anxiety before sessions

Most importantly, we work collaboratively with parents and teachers to generalize progress into real-world situations, like classroom interactions and peer conversations.

Parental Support Is Key

Selective mutism is rooted in anxiety, not stubbornness. Harsh discipline or forced speaking can worsen the condition. Instead, our therapists guide parents to:

• Respect the child’s pace

• Celebrate small communication victories (eye contact, gestures, whispers)

• Reduce pressure (avoid saying, “Say hello” or “Answer me”)

• Create calm, supportive environments for practicing communication

To explore more tools for home use, visit: Communication and Language

When needed, our team may also recommend occupational therapy if your child struggles with regulation or sensory integration, which often coexists with selective mutism.

Why Choose OrbRom Center?

We’re more than a therapy center—we’re a team of educators, therapists, and advocates for children with special communication needs. At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we provide:

• One-on-one speech therapy for selective mutism

• Bilingual (Khmer-English) communication support

• Family coaching and school collaboration

• Sensory-informed therapy rooms for a calm environment

• Qualified therapists trained in child anxiety and speech-language development

We meet your child with compassion, not pressure. And we believe that every child—no matter how quiet—deserves to be heard.

Final Thoughts: Breaking the Silence Starts With Support

Selective mutism can feel isolating for both child and parent. But with the right therapy and understanding, children can learn to communicate confidently in all environments. At OrbRom Center, we help children in Phnom Penh move from silence to speech, one safe step at a time.

Start speech therapy support for selective mutism at OrbRom Center