Some circumstances or situations might trigger selective mutism. These triggers might cause a person with selective mutism to refuse to speak. Some people might have specific triggers. Triggers may vary over time. Some of these triggers are:

• Going to noisy or overcrowded places.
• Meeting strangers.
• Being around people who stand too close or invade personal space.
• Going to Novel places.
• Facing novel or unsuccessful situations.
• Being around others who behave aggressively or speak loudly.
• Going to places that remind the patient of upsetting events.
• Meeting people with certain physical characteristics, such as being very tall.
• Facing negative nonverbal cues or gestures.