Selective mutism

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a person consistently cannot speak in particular social settings despite speaking in others. It typically begins in childhood and can interfere with communication, learning, and relationships.

Social anxiety disorder: An anxiety disorder marked by intense fear of scrutiny or negative evaluation in social situations. Fear of social evaluation often accompanies selective mutism, though the conditions are distinct.
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: The American Psychiatric Association's classification and diagnostic manual for mental disorders. Its criteria define the duration, settings, and impairment required for diagnosis.
Cognitive behavioral therapy: A structured psychotherapy that changes unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior. Adapted CBT can address anxiety while practicing communication in feared situations.
Educational attainment: The level of education a person completes, including formal qualifications and credentials. Difficulty speaking in class can obstruct demonstrations of knowledge and classroom participation.
Behavioral inhibition: A temperament characterized by wariness and withdrawal when facing unfamiliar people or situations. Early inhibition can increase vulnerability to the anxiety that makes speaking difficult.
International Classification of Diseases: The World Health Organization's international system for classifying diseases and health conditions. Its diagnostic framework provides a second reference for identifying the disorder.
Parent training: Guidance that helps caregivers use specific strategies to support a child's behavior and development. Caregivers can reduce pressure to speak while reinforcing manageable communication attempts.
Peer relationships: Social connections and interactions among people of similar age or status. Silence in group settings can make forming and maintaining friendships harder.
Avoidance behavior: Behavior that reduces contact with a feared situation or its anticipated distress. Silence can reduce immediate anxiety, unintentionally reinforcing avoidance of speech.
Child development: The physical, cognitive, emotional, and social changes that occur as children grow. Selective mutism is usually identified in childhood and must be assessed against developmental expectations.

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