Selective Mutism What is selective mutism?

Selective mutism is a anxiety disorder that is diagnosed whensomeone consistently does not speak in some situations, but speaks comfortably in other situations. These people are unable to speak in certain social situations where there is a demand to speak, such as at school, at dance class, at soccer practice, or at the corner store. In other situations, these same people may speak openly with others and may even be considered a “chatterbox”.Selective mutism causes significant impairment in peoples lives and can interfere . It can often prevent them from having fun and  It also can keep them from being safe if they are unable to ask for help or get their basic needs met.