What is selective mutism?

Selective mutism is a form of persistent fear of speaking in which a person is unable to speak in certain situations. In familiar environments such as at home or with certain people, speaking is no problem, but with other people, at school/work or outside the home, speaking is completely impossible. People with selective mutism want to talk, but the tension builds up so much that they block or freeze. This can be very difficult for both the person and those around them. It is more common in young children, but adolescents and adults can also develop selective mutism. Sometimes it goes away on its own, but often specific knowledge and intervention are needed to help people with selective mutism and those around them. Selective mutism occurs in approximately 1 to 7 out of every 1,000 children.