Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a severe childhood anxiety disorder where a child is ‘mute' (unable to speak) in certain situations such as school. It is ‘selective', because the mutism usually doesn't occur in all situations. In situations where the child feels relaxed, like at home or with close friends and family, the child may be able to speak normally. The difference between selective mutism and a child who is shy is determined by the intensity of the anxiety, presence of avoidance behaviours, and the persistence of the child being unable to speak in situations where s/he is usually expected to speak.