Selective Mutism

Selective mutism is a type of social phobia and childhood anxiety disorder in which children are afraid to talk. Children with selective mutism may talk at home with parents and siblings, but refuse to speak at all in school, with friends, or other situations. Additionally, children with selective mutism may avoid eye contact, turn their heads, or withdraw in order to avoid talking. Selective Mutism may begin to cause significant impairments in a child’s life including their school performance and interpersonal relationships. Most children suffering from selective mutism also suffer from social anxiety . 

Some symptoms of selective mutism are: 

• Speaking in certain setting but not talking when others are around 
• Looking frozen or angry when asked questions by strangers or when feeling uncomfortable 
• Using gestures (pointing, nodding, facial expressions) to get needs met despite knowing how to talk 
• Difficulties speaking have occurred for more than one month, not including the first month of schools 
• Difficulties speaking are interfering with life 
• These difficulties are not in relation to a previously diagnosed language or speaking disorder 

Selective Mutism or Shyness?