Why Won’t This Child Speak? Understanding Selective Mutism in the Classroom

Programmes
Why Won’t This Child Speak? Understanding Selective Mutism in the Classroom

Marta Koplejewska

Specialist in students with SEN

Why Won’t This Child Speak? Understanding Selective Mutism in the Classroom

A child may chat freely at home, then become completely silent in the classroom, around unfamiliar adults or in larger groups. This programme helps you understand selective mutism as an anxiety-based communication block, recognise the patterns that distinguish it from shyness or other communication difficulties, and respond without increasing pressure. Learn how to support participation, build trust and create safer ways for the child to communicate while working effectively with parents and specialists.

Essential

£49.00

£89.00

One-time · 12 months access

7 video modules
Teacher's Toolkit
Certificate
Classroom materials
Knowledge Booster

Professional Recommended

£69.00

£129.00

One-time · 12 months access

7 video modules
Teacher's Toolkit (46 pages)
Certificate
18 classroom materials
Knowledge Booster (30 days)

Until 25 October 2026, this and every other programme is 45% off.

Standard price from 26 October: Essential £89, Professional £129.

Is this for you?

You work with a child who speaks freely at home or with selected people but becomes silent in the classroom, around unfamiliar adults or in larger groups.
You are unsure whether the child’s silence reflects selective mutism, shyness, a language barrier, autism-related communication difficulties or another need.
You want to understand why asking the child to “just say something” can increase anxiety, even when the encouragement is well meant.
You need practical ways to communicate with the child without putting them on the spot or making speech the only way to participate.
You want to record meaningful observations and talk to parents or carers without diagnosing, blaming or causing unnecessary alarm.
You need tools for classroom participation, assessment, transitions and cooperation with the specialists supporting the child.

We use AI as a tool to support production, but we do not hand over responsibility for the content. Our materials are based on real webinars by our trainers and are reviewed and approved by a person before publication. The videos feature an AI-generated avatar and voice of the trainer, used with her consent.

What you'll implement?

Ready to use tomorrow
- How to reduce pressure around speaking
  
  Learn how to begin interactions through comments and shared activities, use gestures and choice questions, and give the child enough time to respond without making speech feel compulsory.
- How to observe and plan the next step
  
  Learn what to record, how to distinguish facts from interpretations and how to use patterns across people, places and situations to identify the child’s current communication level.
- How to include the child without forcing speech
  
  earn how to offer safe ways to answer, participate and demonstrate knowledge - through pointing, writing, cards, paired work or smaller-group activities.
A different way of seeing the problem
- Inability, not unwillingness
  
  Understand selective mutism as an anxiety-based inability to speak in particular situations, not a conscious refusal, manipulation, poor manners or lack of effort.
- Safety before speech
  
  Shift the immediate goal from “getting the child to talk” to reducing anxiety, building trust and increasing the child’s sense of control. Speech becomes a possible outcome of safety rather than a condition for receiving support.
- The whole picture, not one sign
  
  Learn to look at patterns across people, places and situations. Recognise the limits of individual signs and know when observations should be shared with parents, carers and qualified specialists.

What's inside this programme?

Video modules

7 modules · approx. 72 min total · one film per module

1

What selective mutism is

10 min
Available after purchase
Understand selective mutism as an anxiety-based communication block rather than a conscious choice. Explore how the condition is defined, where common misconceptions come from and which factors may predispose, trigger or maintain the difficulty.

Lessons in this module
1. Introduction
2. Definition and classification
3. A short history and the myth of “conscious choice”
4. Causes — three groups of factors
2

How to recognise a child with selective mutism

19 min
Available after purchase
Learn what teachers may observe without stepping into the role of a diagnostician. Examine diagnostic criteria, common signs, the impact of silence on everyday functioning and the distinctions between selective mutism, shyness, language barriers, aphasia and autism-related communication differences.

Lessons in this module
1. Diagnostic criteria
2. The child’s presentation — symptoms
3. Statistics and risk groups
4. The most common behaviours of a child with selective mutism
5. Selective mutism and the autism spectrum — telling them apart
6. Diagnostic elements and the teacher’s observation log
3

Working with the child: general principles

8 min
Available after purchase
Turn understanding into everyday classroom practice. Learn how to reduce communicative pressure, begin interactions safely, move gradually from comments to questions and build a constructive partnership with parents or carers.

Lessons in this module
1. The golden rule - not expecting the child to speak
2. How to lead a conversation
3. Talking with parents or carers
4

Therapeutic methods

18 min
Available after purchase
Explore the principles behind sliding in, shaping, externalisation and cognitive behavioural therapy. Understand the boundaries between the teacher’s and specialist’s roles and learn how school staff can support an agreed plan without attempting to conduct therapy independently.

Lessons in this module
1. Sliding in - the method of small steps
2. Modelling speech through shaping
3. Externalisation
4. Cognitive behavioural therapy — working with thoughts
5

Self-regulation tools and a safe classroom

4 min
Available after purchase
Learn simple breathing, grounding and tension-release techniques that can become part of a whole-class routine. Discover how different ways of responding can be normalised so that the child is included without being singled out.

Lessons in this module
1. Breathing and grounding techniques
2. A safe classroom - normalising silence and whispering
6

The long-term perspective

4 min
Available after purchase
Understand how selective mutism can change as social and educational expectations increase. Explore the needs of younger children, older pupils and teenagers, with particular attention to assessment, school transitions, examinations and the importance of early support.

Lessons in this module
1. Selective mutism from a developmental perspective
2. Working with a teenager; transitions and examinations
3. Why early support matters so much
7

Practice and summary

9 min
Available after purchase
Identify the adult reactions that can unintentionally reinforce anxiety and silence. Challenge common myths and understand why free speech is built on earlier goals such as safety, self-esteem, independence, emotional regulation and trust.

Lessons in this module
1. Maintaining factors and mistakes that delay progress
2. Myths about selective mutism
3. Goals of therapy
4. Summary

Teacher's Toolkit

46-page implementation guide · PDF

The written companion to the video training. It helps you return to the key concepts, practical strategies and classroom guidance whenever you need to understand a child’s silence, plan the next step or respond without increasing pressure.

Understanding selective mutism and why silence is not a choice
Recognition, differentiation and objective teacher observation
Low-pressure communication and conversations with parents or carers
Sliding in, shaping, externalisation and cognitive behavioural approaches
Self-regulation tools and safe forms of classroom participation
Long-term support, transitions, assessment and common mistakes

See sample pages

Classroom Resource Library

Practical resources for real classroom situations

The Professional version gives you access to the complete library of practical resources created specifically for this programme. Inside, you’ll find ready-to-use materials that support classroom practice, behaviour analysis, communication, planning and implementation. Selected resources are available to preview for free, so you can see the format and approach before accessing the full library.

18

materials total
3

free for everyone
18

in Professional

Quick-reference cards and guides

5 materials
- Staff card: What it is / what it is not
  
  A one-page introduction that helps every adult understand that selective mutism is an anxiety-based block, not stubbornness, laziness or poor manners.
  
  Open
- First-week quick guide
  
  A one-page guide to what teachers can do immediately when they first notice a child becoming silent in particular situations.
  
  Open
- What to say, what to avoid
  
  A two-column card showing the phrases and adult responses that reduce pressure and the well-meant reactions that can increase it.
  
  Open
- Differentiation table
  
  A side-by-side comparison that helps teachers organise observations related to selective mutism, shyness, aphasia and the autism spectrum before contacting a specialist.
  
  Open
- Self-reflection card
  
  A teacher checklist for reviewing whether everyday responses are helping the child move forward or unintentionally reinforcing withdrawal.
  
  Open
Observation and planning tools

4 materials
- Teacher’s observation log
  
  A printable and editable form for recording facts, contexts, communication attempts and duration without replacing observation with assumptions.
  
  Open
- Communicative-load ladder
  
  A clear progression from gestures and pointing to yes-or-no answers, choices, words, sentences and free communication.
  
  Open
- Safe people and situations map
  
  A form for identifying where, when and with whom the child communicates most freely, providing a practical starting point for further planning.
  
  Open
- Settling-in plan
  
  A first-month template for supporting a child in a new setting without pressure or premature conclusions about their silence.
  
  Open
Collaboration and transition tools

4 materials
- Parent and carer conversation guide
  
  A structured meeting template that begins with the child’s strengths, presents objective observations and helps teachers speak about possible anxiety without blame.
  
  Open
- Sliding-in planning sheet
  
  An eight-stage planning and monitoring tool for gradual work with new people and situations, used together with the specialist leading the child’s support.
  
  Open
- Transition plan
  
  An editable template for passing on what works, what increases pressure and which forms of participation are safe before a change of class or school.
  
  Open
- Organising support in the setting
  
  A multi-page guide to coordinating work between the teacher, parents or carers, specialists and the wider school team.
  
  Open
Classroom activities and participation tools

4 materials
- Voice-play cards for shaping
  
  A set of playful activities that gradually invite breath, sound, whispering, words and phrases without demanding speech.
  
  Open
- Self-regulation technique cards
  
  Ready-to-use cards introducing Balloon breathing, square breathing, grounding and tension-release exercises for the whole class.
  
  Open
- “I can respond in different ways” set
  
  Whole-class activities that make gestures, pointing, cards, whispering and partner responses normal ways of participating.
  
  Open
- Alternative forms of participation and assessment card
  
  A practical list of ways for a child to demonstrate knowledge without being required to speak in front of the whole class.
  
  Open
Goals and progress

1 materials
- Therapy goals map
  
  A visual map showing that verbal communication develops from earlier goals such as reduced anxiety, stronger self-esteem, emotional regulation, independence and social confidence.
  
  Open

Knowledge Booster

The Professional version includes the Knowledge Booster, which helps you return to the programme after completing the video course - step by step, without trying to implement everything at once. Inspired by Ebbinghaus’s forgetting curve, it uses short emails sent at the right intervals to help you remember and apply what you learn.

Professional: 11 emails over 30 days

1

Day 1

Welcome to the selective mutism booster series
2

Day 3

Inability, not unwillingness
3

Day 6

The golden rule: take the pressure off speaking
4

Day 9

Comment first, ask later
5

Day 12

Small steps: the communicative-load ladder
6

Day 15

What to observe and what not to do
7

Day 18

Don’t overread a single sign
8

Day 21

Talking to parents or carers: strengths first
9

Day 24

Sliding in and shaping - within an agreed plan
10

Day 27

A safe classroom and self-regulation
11

Day 30

The long game: goals, myths and perpetuating factors

You control when it starts. Activate from your account whenever you're ready - it won't start automatically.

Certificate of completion

Each Edutimo programme includes a short end-of-programme test. After completing the modules, take the test to confirm what you have learned and download your certificate of completion. The test is included in the programme and can be retaken if needed.

Ready? Take the test and get your certificate.

10 questions · approx. 10 min · available after completing all modules

Your trainer

Marta Koplejewska

Early childhood and special education specialist, valued for her holistic approach, innovation and ability to motivate children with disabilities.

students with SEN
autism spectrum support
preschool education

What teachers say?

Trusted by teachers across Europe

Miriam Gibreel

primary school educator

"Highly Recommended CPD for Educators – Exceptional Neurodiversity and Practical Strategy Courses that are both relevant and impactful in modern day classrooms. Having spent 16 years teaching children aged 5 to 11 in London-based primary school settings, I am incredibly judicious about the professional development I invest my time in. I am thoroughly impressed by the extensive range of courses offered on Edutimo. In particular, Joanna Nienałtowska-Padło’s modules focusing on neurodiverse conditions are exceptional, providing deep insights alongside highly practical classroom advice. The strategies for navigating challenging situations and de-escalating them effectively have given me concrete, actionable tools that actually work in a live classroom environment. Additionally, the recommended resources and guidelines for creating personalised student toolkits are fantastic for helping children navigate day-to-day school life. As an experienced professional, I know that having up-to-date courses available is instrumental in confidently establishing well-prepared lessons and a welcoming classroom environment for the upcoming school year."

Shannon Carter

Assistant Headteacher

"What I found particularly valuable about Edutimo was how closely the programme connected professional learning with what actually happens in the classroom. The training is clear and practical, with real classroom examples and strategies that I can use straight away. I often found myself going back to particular modules when planning lessons, and some of the approaches have now become part of my everyday teaching. The Challenging Behaviour training has completely changed the way I approach difficult situations in the classroom. I found it particularly useful to understand what sits behind challenging behaviour and how to respond calmly when situations escalate. It has given me more confidence in knowing what to do and what to say when things become difficult. It genuinely feels like a programme created by people who understand the realities of teaching. Rather than just giving you theory, Edutimo gives you ideas that you can actually take into your classroom and put into practice straight away."

Isabella A.

Teacher

"The trainer has a calming voice and manner. I will use paraphrasing in conversations with students and approach "comebacks" more boldly :) I will also try out the teddy bear method in the first grade."

Questions about this programme

FAQ

What's the difference between Essential and Professional?

Essential includes the full video programme, the Teacher’s Toolkit ebook and a certificate of completion. Professional includes everything in Essential, plus the complete Classroom Resource Library and the Knowledge Booster.
How long do I have access?

You receive 12 months of access to the programme after purchase.
Does the programme include ready-to-use materials?

Yes. Depending on your package, you receive templates, scripts, cards, procedures, case studies and classroom tools.
What is the Knowledge Booster?

It is a 30-day email sequence that helps you revisit the most important ideas from the programme and apply them step by step.
Do I receive a certificate?

Yes. After completing the programme, you can download your certificate of completion.