Selective Mutism
Our team of clinicians, including social workers, psychotherapists, psychologists, and speech-language pathologists, has specialized experience supporting children with selective mutism, an anxiety-based condition where a child is unable to speak in certain settings despite speaking comfortably in others. Selective mutism can impact learning, peer relationships, and emotional well-being. We take a collaborative, evidence-based approach that combines therapeutic support and communication strategies to reduce anxiety, build confidence, and help children express themselves more freely. Some services may be covered by private insurance or OAP funding.
What is Selective Mutism
At WonderTree, we understand how confusing and concerning it can be for families when a child speaks freely at home but becomes completely silent in other settings. Selective mutism isn’t about defiance, it’s about fear. For children with SM, speaking outside of their comfort zone can feel overwhelming, even impossible. We support families with warmth and patience, helping children build trust, lower anxiety, and take small steps toward feeling safe and heard in more spaces. With the right support, children can find their voice at their own pace, and in their own way.
Listen with patience...
WonderTree Services for Selective Mutism
Child and Adolescent Therapy ​
Our psychologists and psychotherapists support children with selective mutism by addressing the anxiety that underlies their silence. Using evidence-based approaches like CBT, exposure therapy, and play-based strategies, we help children lower anxiety, build coping tools, and move at their own pace toward comfortable communication.
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Child Therapy
Speech and Language
Our speech-language pathologists support children with selective mutism using gentle, anxiety-informed strategies. We focus on building trust, supporting nonverbal communication, and helping children take small steps toward speaking in new settings. Therapy is individualized and often includes collaboration with parents and educators to support progress across environments.
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Mental Health Assessment
​Our clinical, school, and neuropsychologists can provide assessments to help understand your child’s strengths, challenges, and how their brain processes emotions, attention, and learning. We focus on comprehensive evaluations that highlight a child’s unique profile and provide recommendations to support them in a way that aligns with their needs.
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These services are not covered by OHIP, but may be covered under your extended health insurance benefits. Check with your insurance provider for details (here is a list of questions you can ask).
Occupational Therapy
When selective mutism is tied to challenges with sensory processing or emotional regulation, our occupational therapists can help. Through sensory-informed strategies and co-regulation tools, OTs support children in managing anxiety, feeling more in control of their bodies, and improving their overall sense of safety.
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Educational Advocacy
Feel like you have meeting after meeting and nothing changes for your child at school? Do you feel like you need support in advocating for them? Getting lost in all the red tape, acronyms, and jargon used in school meetings? (Click here to read our blog on IEPs and IPRCs)
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We partner with families and schools to create environments where children with selective mutism feel safe and supported. Our clinicians can help develop school strategies, educate staff, and advocate for accommodations that align with the child’s communication comfort zone and readiness for progress.​
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Contact Us
One of our family coordinators will return your call/e-mail within 2 business days. Our family coordinators will help determine which service provider would be the right fit and assist in scheduling your appointment.
905-425-9525
685 Riddell Rd., Unit 105
Orangeville, Ontario
L9W 4Z5