About Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism formerly was called elective mutism, but was changed in recognition of the fact that a child does not choose, or elect to be mute. The mutism is the result of social anxiety. Selective Mutism is still called elective mutism in many areas of the world. This psychiatric disorder most commonly found in children is characterized by a consistent failure to speak in select settings for a least a month or two. These children understand language use and have the ability to speak. In typical cases they speak to their parents and select others. Most do not speak in school or in other social situations. Generally, most function normally in other ways, although some have additional disabilities. Most are thought to be extremely shy.

Selective Mutism gets worse with time. The biggest singular mistake that is made by professionals and parents is to believe that the child will grow out of the problems. At Berent Associates we have worked with hundreds of adolescents and adults who have SM. Often, these individuals describe the problem "I have nothing to say," or "I don't know what to say" and avoid interactive situations because of this phenomenon.