 Generally the definition of selective mutism is something like "a condition in which a person is physically able to speak but is unable to in certain situations as a result of extreme anxiety". According to the ASHA it is characterized by: "Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (in which there is an expectation for speaking, e.g., at school) despite speaking in other siturations. The disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication. The duration of the disturbance is at least 1 month (not limited to the first month of school). The failure to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social situation. The disturbance is not better accounted for by a Communication Disorder (e.g., Stuttering) and does not occur exlusively during the course of a Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Schizophrenia, or other Psychotic Disorder."
I won't go too into detail as there are several wonderful websites out there that explain it better than I could.
| Main page | What is Selective Mutism? | My life | What music did | Links | 
|