What is selective mutism?
Selective mutism is best understood as an anxiety disorder, most commonly diagnosed in children and adolescents. Selective mutism (SM) is characterized by an inability to speak in one or more social situations despite an ability to speak in other situations. A common example is a child who, due to anxiety, is unable to speak with teachers and peers at school but is able to speak freely, when comfortable, with parents and siblings at home. Several other disorders must be ruled out before a diagnosis of SM can be made, as mute behavior can be explained by other factors than anxiety. Most people diagnosed with SM also demonstrate symptoms of another anxiety disorder, most commonly, social phobia. For more information on SM, please visit the Selective Mutism Group website.
