What is selective mutism? And why did my child get it?

What is Selective Mutism? And why did my child get it?
If you've ever met a child who speaks freely at home but goes completely silent in social settings, they might have selective mutism (SM)-a misunderstood anxiety disorder that affects communication.
Many people think SM is just extreme shyness, but it’s much more than that. It’s an involuntary response to anxiety that makes speaking in certain situations feel impossible. Without proper support, it can impact a child’s confidence, education, and social life.
In this video, I’ll explain what selective mutism is, who it affects, and why early understanding is so important. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about SM, this is a safe space to learn and ask questions.
💬 Have thoughts or experiences with selective mutism? Let’s start a conversation in the comments!
🔔 Subscribe for more videos on SM, anxiety, and supporting neurodivergent kids.
If you enjoy the video, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more singing updates and behind-the-scenes moments! 💛
If you ever want to donate anything, this is my paypal: [e-mail]
If you want to send something to me by mail, or want to get a hold of me somehow, email me at [e-mail]
#selectivemutism #mentalhealth #anxiety
Vad är selektiv mutism?
Hur får man selektiv mutism?

[@rudolftrojan6862]

Mutism is like a wall that separates you from other people, making you feel different or wrong because others don’t know why you don’t speak.

[@petras-path]

Exactly!!! And there is much shame in it. And also - the more you preassure a child with sm to talk, the worse it gets! So It is very complicated to say the least.

[@adrianr650]

Awareness of SM is important so that people who have it are treated properly. I really hope dear Leona continues to get better.

[@petras-path]

Thank you for watching and commenting and for being so supportive💛 I need that. We have come a long way with Leona but ut has been very oberwhelming at times and a lot of worries so I have not really talked much about it on my Channel before. So when I do, it feels nice to get support💛

[@adrianr650]

@@petras-path I love to support. I believe there is a SM awareness month later in the year.

[@drewpall2598]

Petra, I love where your heart and mind is at, just being there in your videos 24/7 has been a real comfort to me over the years. My only concern is you don't overdo it on top of taking care of your daughter your apartment and holding down a job. I wish you much success on your new path and journey my friend. "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." Leo Buscaglia

[@petras-path]

Thank you for your concern💛 it has been a lot this week because of me "remaking" my channel, but now I will slow down a bit! I hope to be able to post at least 1 or 2 videos every week. But if I can not do that every week, that is ok too😊

[@BrianJoslyn]

I definitely appreciate how you worded it. It's better to get an actual diagnosis than to simply say you, or someone, has or is, this, that or the other. Self diagnosis should be kept within families, and maybe friends - especially if it's communicated, 'correctly.' It's too possible to self diagnose and have it not be valid. What doesn't make sense, is... If it's 1 in 140 (children) then how is it not known of? This isn't a question specifically for you. It's simply a relevant question as 140 is not a very big number compared to the worldwide population of minors. It doesn't make sense how such a low number can be equivalent to being not well known.

[@petras-path]

As I understand it by reading and researching online ans also using a calculator. It seems as though 1 in 140 is below 1percent, so in total it is not a lot in my opinion, but I see what you are saying. Some kids who has it has a combination of autism and selective mutism, and the autism is more talked about.

[@BrianJoslyn]

​@@petras-path Just reading "1 in 140" tells me it's more than 1% - it's 1.4%. However, 1% of a much higher number is going to be a much higher number. The current worldwide population of minors just up to age 14 is about two billion - also realizing that adult age isn't the same in every country. So of that two billion kids up to age 14, 1% would mean about 14,285,714 kids, up to age 14, have selective mutism. That's more than 14 million kids up to age 14. Some comparison... The current population of New York City (in the US) is less than nine million. So more kids up to age 14 have selective mutism than the entire approximate population of New York City. It seems like a more current average of 1 in 100 kids worldwide have autism - which is 1%. Overall, regardless of what disability, neurological disorder, whatever, anyone speaks of - even anyone that has heard of something doesn't know near enough about it. It's basically 'human nature' to not know much, if anything, about such things unless you find out someone you know has it. Although I appreciate those that speak of these things here on KZbin, such as you, consider the number of viewers that won't remember most, if not all, of what anyone says about anything. This is why I personally would never go into much detail. There's always so much more that could be said, meaning a video would never be enough. It would take several videos.

[@mikeg.4211]

This was very interesting, and I'm glad to hear that Leona has made a lot of progress. I would be very interested in learning about how this is treated, and what was effective for Leona. I very much hope that your own anxiety has been lessened these days.

[@petras-path]

Thank you💛 I am glad you found it intersting! I will some time make a video about Leonas journey💛 my anxiety is some days so hard to get through, but day to day I manage better with my "normal anxiety" Than what I did before!😊💛

[@KathleenAJordan]

I must admit I didn't realize that this was happening to children, I feel absolutely awful because I assumed they were just being a brat 😢..thank you for opening my eyes to this song that I can now respond without ignorance..much ❤

[@petras-path]

Not all kids that are shy or quiet has SM , HOWEVER it can be good to have the mindset that we never know what someone is going through or why they Act the way they do. More times than not there is a reason for how they behave or act💛

[@alberteinstein9176]

Hello from Connecticut USA. Does that condition of select mutism get better? Thomas Dutkiewicz

[@petras-path]

It can if they get the right support and treatment. Leonas has gotten much much MUCH better and I am so thankful, that she got better relatively quick with just support and small steps. But some people are struggeling a big chunk of their lives with this. Leona still struggle in certain situations, but has gotten way better in day to day circumstances. I might make a video about her journey one day! Just to share what worked for her etc.