Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a relatively rare disorder in which a person does not speak in one or more situations where speaking is expected but does speak normally in other situations. It is believed to stem largely from social anxiety, making it a psychiatric disorder. Selective mutism is also a disorder of communication. Specifically, it is a disorder of language use, making it a pragmatic communication disorder. Selective mutism is typically diagnosed around age 5. It can be diagnosed when a child remains mute for at least a month in one environment (often the school environment), and it is known that the child speaks in other environments (typically at home). There is no speech or language disorder that prevents the child with selective mutism from speaking ...