Selective Mutism Awareness Month: Exploring Specialized IOP Support in Austin, TX
Parenting a child who seems bright, funny, and full of personality at home yet falls silent the moment they step into school or social settings can feel confusing, frustrating, and heartbreaking. You might wonder why your child chats endlessly with you, yet freezes when a teacher asks a simple question. You may have been told they are “just shy” or that they will “grow out of it,” but deep down, you sense something more is happening.
During Selective Mutism Awareness Month, Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists is shining a light on this often-misunderstood anxiety disorder and highlighting how specialized treatment, including our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Austin and Round Rock, TX, can provide meaningful support for both children and their families.
What is Selective Mutism?
Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder recognized in the DSM-5-TR. Children with selective mutism are fully capable of speaking and often do so freely at home with family members. However, in certain settings, like school, extracurricular activities, or social gatherings, they experience intense anxiety that prevents them from speaking.
It’s not defiance. It’s not stubbornness. It’s not a language problem. It’s anxiety, and with the right type of therapy, it gets better.
The silence your child experiences is their nervous system’s way of trying to keep them safe, even though you and others know there’s no real danger. For kids with selective mutism, the fear of speaking in public or to people with whom they are less comfortable feels overwhelming, leading to a shutdown response.
Why Kids with Selective Mutism Communicate Differently Across Settings
Many parents of children with selective mutism describe a heartbreaking contrast:
At home, their child is vibrant, talkative, and silly. They joyfully sing songs, tell stories, and make jokes.
At school, the same child appears frozen, withdrawn, and silent, unable to answer simple questions or even say “hi.”
Around extended family or strangers, their child might cling silently to a parent, point or use other gestures, or avoid eye contact and communication altogether.
This difference often leads others to dismiss concerns. Teachers or relatives may assume your child is “just shy” or that they will eventually “grow out of it.” But for parents, it often feels different; you see the gap between your child’s personality at home and their struggles outside, and you know something deeper is happening.
Recognizing this pattern is one of the most important first steps in understanding and supporting a child with Selective Mutism.
Understanding the Daily Struggles Parents Face with Selective Mutism
If your child has Selective Mutism, you’ve likely experienced a range of challenges that can be confusing, stressful, and emotionally draining:
Misunderstandings from others.
Due to lack of awareness about selective mutism, well-intentioned teachers, family members, and even pediatricians may misinterpret your child’s silence as shyness, “a phase,” rudeness, stubbornness, or defiance, leaving you feeling dismissed, helpless, and alone.
Conflicting emotions.
You may feel frustrated or embarrassed when your child won’t speak, guilty for feeling that way, and anxious about what this means for your child’s future. Worrying about their social skills, academic progress, or independence can be exhausting.
School stress.
Report cards may note “does not participate in class,” and assignments that involve speaking, like presentations or group work, can feel like impossible hurdles. Advocating for your child with teachers and staff can be overwhelming.
Social challenges.
Playdates, birthday parties, and family gatherings can become tense or even avoided altogether. You may notice your child freezing in social situations or retreating to familiar people, which can feel heartbreaking and isolating for both of you. Close friends or siblings may feel frustrated or obligated to speak for your child, sometimes creating tension in friendships or sibling relationships.
Misinterpreted behavior.
Others may assume your child is deliberately ignoring instructions, being stubborn, or refusing to engage, when in reality anxiety is the driving force behind their silence. Explaining this repeatedly to others can be draining.
Safety and practical concerns.
Parents worry about everyday scenarios: Will my child tell a teacher if they are hurt or sick? Will they be able to communicate with law enforcement if they get pulled over while driving? How will they navigate middle school, college, job interviews, or adult life?
Counterintuitive parenting challenges.
Many natural parenting instincts, like offering reassurance, speaking for your child, or pushing them to “just say it,” can actually reinforce silence rather than reduce anxiety or increase motivation. You may find yourself second-guessing every interaction, unsure whether you’re helping or unintentionally making things harder.
Emotional impact on the family.
Selective mutism can affect siblings, family dynamics, and your own mental health. You may feel tension, worry, or sadness, and it’s common to experience guilt for struggling to manage these feelings alongside your child’s needs.
You don’t have to navigate this alone. Evidence-based treatment, like a specialized Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, can help both you and your child build confidence and skills step by step, giving your child the support they need to speak and giving you guidance to parent in ways that empower your child without unintentionally reinforcing anxiety.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Selective Mutism
The good news is that Selective Mutism is treatable with the right type of therapy. Research supports using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), strategies to help children gradually face speaking fears in safe, structured ways.
At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, we also often integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) principles, which focus on helping children and parents learn to sit with anxiety, build flexibility, and stay connected to values (like friendship, learning, and family connection) even in the presence of discomfort.
Why Standard Therapy Isn’t Always Enough
Weekly therapy sessions can be helpful, but for children with selective mutism, progress may feel painfully slow if treatment isn’t targeted. Because silence affects daily school, social, and family functioning, a more intensive, hands-on approach often leads to better results.
That’s why our anxiety treatment center offers a specialized Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Selective Mutism in Round Rock and Austin, TX.
Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists’ IOP for Selective Mutism in Austin, TX
Our Selective Mutism IOP supports children and families who need more than traditional weekly therapy. The program includes:
Two-hour sessions several days per week, giving children the repetition and structure they need to reach their treatment goals.
Individual therapy in-office (or virtually through telehealth), where children practice speaking with a trusted anxiety specialist.
Outings into the community, where children apply skills in real-world settings like playgrounds, ice cream shops, or stores.
Parent coaching, training, and collaboration with other important people in your child’s life because supporting a child with selective mutism requires learning new strategies and skills that may feel counterintuitive at first.
This combination ensures that progress isn’t limited to the therapy room and instead extends into school, social life, and family relationships.
Why Parent Involvement Matters in Selective Mutism Treatment
One of the biggest challenges parents face is figuring out how to respond when their child can’t speak. Should you step in and answer for them? Should you encourage them to “just try”? How long should you allow your child to endure the awkward silence and pressure to speak before intervening?
In our IOP, we give parents evidence-based practical tools to support their child without increasing pressure. Parents learn how to:
Respond when their child goes silent.
Create supportive environments to practice speaking.
Coach teachers, coaches, family friends, and extended relatives on how to best empower your child to speak.
Integrate speaking practice into daily life.
Differentiate between “helpful support” and “accommodation that keeps anxiety alive.”
This parent-focused component is critical because overcoming selective mutism is not just about what happens during therapy sessions; it’s about building confidence and communication skills across all areas of life.
Challenges Our Specialists Address in Selective Mutism Treatment
Through Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialist’s IOP, families often see improvement in areas such as:
School participation. Children gradually begin answering questions, engaging in group work, and giving short presentations.
Friendships. Children gain confidence initiating conversations and joining play.
Family life. Outings, holidays, and visits with extended relatives feel less stressful and more enjoyable.
Parent-child relationships. Parents feel more confident supporting their child without falling into patterns that reinforce anxiety.
Most importantly, children begin to trust that they can speak even if it feels uncomfortable at first.
Frequently Asked Questions About Selective Mutism
If your child has been diagnosed with Selective Mutism, or you suspect they might be struggling with it, you probably have a lot of questions. Parents often wonder if their child will eventually grow out of it, whether it’s just shyness, or how long treatment might take. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, we know how overwhelming it can feel when you’re looking for answers. Below are some of the most common questions we hear from parents, along with evidence-based information that can help you feel more supported and informed.
What causes Selective Mutism?
Parents often wonder if they did something wrong. Responses from well-intentioned parents and other adults in a child’s life can influence how symptoms persist, but parenting does not cause selective mutism. Selective mutism is best understood as a multifactorial anxiety condition linked to temperament, family history of anxiety, and environmental stressors.
Will my child outgrow it?
It’s a common hope that children will “grow out of” selective mutism, but research shows that without treatment, symptoms often persist and can even worsen over time. While some kids may appear to improve in certain situations, untreated selective mutism can lead to greater difficulties in school, friendships, and self-confidence as they grow older. The good news is that with early, evidence-based intervention, children can learn to manage their anxiety and begin speaking in a wider range of settings.
How is Selective Mutism different from shyness?
Shyness is a personality trait. Shy children may feel hesitant at first, but usually warm up and begin to speak once they feel comfortable. Selective Mutism, on the other hand, is an anxiety disorder recognized in the DSM-5-TR. Children with selective mutism want to speak, but intense anxiety makes it feel impossible in certain settings. This is why a child who is talkative at home may still remain completely silent at school or around extended family.
Does Selective Mutism only occur in childhood?
It’s most often diagnosed in early childhood, typically between ages 3–6, when children start school. However, if untreated, selective mutism can persist into adolescence or even adulthood.
Is medication ever used?
Medication decisions are individualized and coordinated with pediatric psychiatry. Behavioral therapy and parent coaching are the frontline treatments for Selective Mutism. In some cases, especially when selective mutism is severe or paired with other anxiety disorders, a child psychiatrist may recommend medication to support progress in therapy. Medication alone is not typically effective; instead, medication tends to be most effective when used in conjunction with evidence-based therapy to reduce overall anxiety and help a child fully participate in treatment. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, we coordinate care with psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and pediatricians when needed to ensure a holistic treatment approach.
How long does treatment take?
The length of treatment varies depending on the child’s age, severity of symptoms, and how consistently strategies are practiced at home, school, and in therapy. Some children begin speaking in new settings within several weeks, while others require longer support to build confidence and make progress toward treatment goals. Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Austin is designed to accelerate progress by providing structured 2-hour sessions that include individual therapy with the child, outings to real-world settings, and parent coaching. This comprehensive approach helps families see meaningful improvements more quickly than traditional weekly therapy alone. Most children need ongoing support with a selective mutism therapist for a period of time after completing IOP treatment.
Moving Forward with Confidence
If you’re parenting a child with Selective Mutism, know that you are not alone, and that with the right support, things can get better. Every child’s journey looks different, but with specialized care, patience, and consistent practice, children can find their voices in the places that matter most. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our team of experts is here to guide you every step of the way, equipping both you and your child with the tools needed to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and create lasting change.
A Hopeful Outlook
Progress may be gradual, but every step, whether it’s whispering to a teacher, ordering at a restaurant, or saying “hi” to a peer, is a success worth celebrating.
At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our team of experts and selective mutism specialists understands the unique challenges families face. We are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that gives children the tools to thrive and parents the confidence to support them.
Take the Next Step
If your child is struggling with Selective Mutism, you don’t have to face this journey alone. Our specialized Intensive Outpatient Program in Austin, TX, offers the structured, supportive environment your child needs to make meaningful progress.
Contact Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists today to learn more about our IOP for Selective Mutism and how we can partner with your family in building confidence, connection, and hope.
Find Specialized Support With an IOP for Selective Mutism in Austin, TX
When your child struggles to speak in certain situations, it can be confusing and painful for both of you. But your child’s silence isn’t defiance; it’s anxiety. At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our IOP for selective mutism in Austin, TX, offers compassionate, evidence-based care to help children gradually find their voice in a safe, supportive environment.
Our team understands how challenging selective mutism can be for parents and children alike. Through structured exposure, family collaboration, and gentle guidance, we help kids build the confidence to communicate in school, social, and everyday settings—without pressure or shame.
Here’s how to begin:
Call 512-246-7225 or email hello@austinanxiety.com to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our selective mutism IOP.
Explore how our IOP in Austin, TX, combines structure, flexibility, and family support to meet your child’s unique needs.
Take the first step toward helping your child gain confidence, reduce anxiety, and rediscover the joy of connection and self-expression.
Selective Mutism Awareness Month is a reminder that your child’s voice deserves to be heard. With the right support, healing and progress are possible. We’re here to help you begin.
Additional Mental Health Services at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists in Austin, TX
At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, we understand that every child, teen, and adult experiences anxiety differently. While our IOP for Selective Mutism provides specialized support for children struggling to communicate, our team also offers a wide range of services to address related challenges such as OCD, phobias, panic attacks, PTSD, social anxiety, generalized anxiety, emetophobia, separation anxiety, depression, tics, and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs).
Beyond individual therapy, we provide parent coaching, SPACE treatment, group therapy, and psychological assessments to help families feel supported throughout the process. For those who prefer flexible care, our secure online therapy option makes it easy to access treatment from anywhere in Texas.
We’re also proud to host Camp Courage—a supportive, hands-on program where kids and teens can gradually face fears, strengthen coping skills, and build lasting confidence.
Whether your family is seeking early intervention, structured treatment, or ongoing support, our care is always collaborative, research-driven, and compassionate. Our therapists are dedicated to creating a safe, welcoming environment where healing and progress truly begin.
Meet Our IOP Team at Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists in Austin, TX
At Austin Anxiety and OCD Specialists, our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is led by a compassionate team of clinicians dedicated to helping clients make meaningful, lasting progress. We provide evidence-based, individualized care for children, teens, and adults navigating anxiety, OCD, and related conditions.
Dr. Samantha Myhre, PhD – Assistant Clinical Director & IOP Coordinator
Dr. Myhre provides specialized knowledge and experience in treating Selective Mutism to our IOP team. She brings extensive experience in helping children and families work through anxiety-related communication challenges using structured, evidence-based methods. In addition to her expertise with selective mutism, she treats OCD, depression, mindfulness concerns, and self-worth issues. Dr. Myhre works with clients ages six and up, offering a collaborative, encouraging approach that fosters confidence, emotional growth, and long-term resilience.
Ann Elise focuses on adult therapy and holds advanced certification in perinatal mental health through Postpartum Support International. With specialized training in anxiety, OCD, trauma, and postpartum adjustment, she integrates CBT, ACT, ERP, and EMDR to help clients regain balance and inner stability.
Ayla works with children, teens, and families addressing OCD, ADHD, anxiety, and behavioral challenges. She uses CBT, ERP, and PCIT within a strengths-based framework to help young clients manage fears, regulate emotions, and apply practical coping tools beyond the therapy room.
Dr. Youssef primarily supports adolescents and young adults navigating OCD, anxiety, and depression. Known for her empathy and cultural sensitivity, she personalizes treatment to each client’s experience, creating a safe environment for sustainable growth and healing.
Whether you or your child are beginning therapy for the first time or seeking more structured care, our IOP team provides research-backed, compassionate support at every step. Together, we help clients move from overwhelm toward confidence, resilience, and meaningful change.