Selective Mutism Support in Ottawa
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Common reasons families reach out
Only speaks with certain people
Doesn't speak at school
Doesn't speak in specific situations
Only whispers with strangers
Understanding the Concern
What Is Selective Mutism?
Selective mutism is an anxiety-based condition in which a child consistently fails to speak in specific social situations (like school) where speech is expected, despite speaking comfortably in other settings (like home with family).
It is not defiance, shyness, or stubbornness — and it's rarely something the child can simply "get over." Children with selective mutism often deeply want to speak in those settings, but a freeze response prevents them.
Selective mutism most commonly appears between ages 3 and 6, often when a child enters daycare, preschool, or kindergarten. Without intervention, it can persist for years and significantly affect schooling, friendships, and self-image.
Common patterns
- Talkative and animated at home
- Frozen, silent, or whispering at school
- Won't speak to certain relatives
- Avoids eye contact with strangers
- May use gestures instead of words in public
- Often anxious about being noticed
Movement & Milestone Checklists
Vitality Kids Family Physiotherapy and Wellness Centre
Know the Signs
Why a Combined SLP + Psychology Approach Matters
Psychological treatment is the foundation. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and graduated exposure approaches are the most evidence-based primary interventions, typically led by a psychologist or psychotherapist.
Speech-Language Pathology plays a supporting role. Some children with selective mutism also have underlying speech or language concerns — and SLPs can rule these in or out, while supporting communication strategies.
School collaboration is essential. Treatment usually involves working closely with teachers and school staff to create supportive environments that allow brave-talking to develop.
Family-led approach. Parents are central — both as advocates and as the people who can practice with the child outside therapy.
Why Ottawa Parents Choose Us
The Vitality Kids Difference
Registered SLPs
Play-based therapy
Family-centred plans
Direct billing
How We Help
How We Support Children with Selective Mutism
01
Initial Assessment
02
Coordinated Referral
Communication Support
School Liaison
Heard From Ottawa Families
- Ottawa location
- Parking
- Transit
- Insurers we direct-bill
Meet Our Pediatric Speech & Language Pathologist
Elaine Down
Book an appointment with Elaine Down
Speech & Language Pathologist
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my shy child likely to have selective mutism?
Why doesn't SLP alone fix selective mutism?
What's the right age to start treatment?
Will my child grow out of it?
Related Concerns
Explore Other Speech & Language Areas
Ready to take the next step?
Visit Us
Vitality Kids — Riverside South, Ottawa
Click any concern below to learn about signs, our approach, and how we tailor therapy for children in Riverside South and across Ottawa.
Vitality Kids Family Physiotherapy & Wellness Centre
Address
Earl Armstrong Plaza
160 Blanca Street, Unit 9
Gloucester, ON K1V 2V6
PHONE
Parking & Transit
Free on-site parking at Earl Armstrong Plaza. Accessible by OC Transpo bus routes serving Riverside South and Findlay Creek.
Areas We Serve
Riverside South, Findlay Creek, Barrhaven, Manotick, Greely, and surrounding south Ottawa communities.
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Vitality is a physiotherapy and wellness centre with four locations in Ottawa, Kemptville, and Kanata, Ontario, Canada.
Locations
Vitality Kids
Earl Armstrong Plaza- 160 Blanca Street, Unit 9
Hours
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