Supporting Children with Selective Mutism Through Speech Therapy in Phnom Penh

A child who speaks freely at home but stays completely silent at school may be facing more than just shyness. This behavior is often a sign of Selective Mutism—an anxiety-based communication disorder that affects a child’s ability to speak in specific social settings. In Phnom Penh, families dealing with this often misunderstood condition are finding support through specialized speech therapy at OrbRom Center.

With the right strategies, a compassionate environment, and targeted intervention, children with selective mutism can gradually find their voice in public spaces, build confidence, and connect with the world around them.

What Is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism (SM) is not a speech delay or defiance. It’s an anxiety disorder that prevents children from speaking in certain environments, despite having the ability to speak fluently in others. Most children with SM are talkative at home but completely silent in school or unfamiliar social settings.

Common signs include:

• Consistent silence in school, daycare, or with unfamiliar people

• Free talking at home with family

• Use of gestures or nonverbal communication instead of speech

• Appearing “frozen” or shut down when expected to speak

• Avoidance of eye contact and minimal facial expression in social settings

Without support, selective mutism can interfere with academic progress, social development, and emotional well-being.

How Speech Therapy Helps Children with Selective Mutism
At OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh, we approach selective mutism with a blend of speech therapy, behavioral techniques, and anxiety reduction strategies. Our therapy goals focus on helping children feel safe enough to communicate—one small step at a time.

Our methods include:

• Stimulus Fading: Starting with speech in a comfortable setting and slowly introducing new people or locations

• Shaping and Reinforcement: Rewarding small efforts like whispering, reading aloud, or responding nonverbally, then building from there

• Desensitization: Gradually exposing the child to speaking situations using role play, video recordings, or puppet play

• Parent and Teacher Coaching: Teaching adults to reduce pressure and reinforce progress

We often begin therapy in a one-on-one setting and gradually move to supported group sessions as the child becomes more confident.

Creating a Supportive Environment for SM
Children with selective mutism need predictable routines and calm spaces. At OrbRom Center, our therapy rooms are designed to minimize pressure and sensory overload. Tools such as the Sensory Peapod help create a secure, quiet space where the child can relax during or between sessions.

We also recommend the Sleep Sound Machine to support better rest, as sleep and anxiety are closely connected. Calmer children are more likely to engage in communication tasks and tolerate new challenges.

Family and School Involvement Is Key
Because selective mutism occurs primarily in school and social environments, collaboration with parents and teachers is essential. At OrbRom, we:

• Train families on how to support gradual speaking at home and in the community

• Develop behavior plans for school staff to reduce pressure and provide alternatives to verbal participation

• Offer strategies to support transitions, such as moving from nodding to whispering, then to speaking

Parents are encouraged to celebrate even small progress—like making eye contact or answering with a head nod—because every step builds toward full participation.

When to Seek Help for Selective Mutism
Selective mutism typically appears between ages 3 and 6, often when a child starts school or is placed in new environments. The earlier therapy begins, the better the outcomes.

Consider speech therapy if your child:

• Speaks confidently at home but never speaks in school or public

• Seems overly anxious or frozen when spoken to

• Avoids social interaction or appears extremely withdrawn

• Uses gestures or facial expressions instead of words in certain places

OrbRom Center offers Developmental Assessments that include anxiety-related communication evaluations, ensuring a clear diagnosis and targeted support.

Why Choose OrbRom Center in Phnom Penh?
Selective mutism requires specialized support—and OrbRom Center is one of the few facilities in Cambodia equipped to provide it. We offer:

• Qualified speech-language pathologists trained in SM and anxiety-based disorders

• A sensitive, step-by-step approach tailored to each child’s pace

• Khmer and English therapy options

• Ongoing collaboration with schools and families

We understand that every child with SM is different, and we focus on creating a trusting environment where they can safely explore their voice.

Conclusion: Helping Children with Selective Mutism Find Their Voice
Selective mutism doesn’t mean a child doesn’t want to speak—it means they feel they can’t. With patient, consistent support, speech therapy at OrbRom Center helps children in Phnom Penh move from silence to speech in their own time.

If your child is struggling to speak in school or public settings, don’t wait. Early, compassionate intervention can make all the difference.

Learn more about our Speech Therapy Services and how we support children with selective mutism on their journey to confident communication.