Selective mutism is characterized by the child's failure to speak in certain social situations despite speaking in other situations. 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 interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication.
Related Resources:
Selective Mutism Net Links
Additional resources for parents of children with selective mutism
Elsewhere on the Web:
DSM-IV Diagnostic Criteria - Selective Mutism
What the professionals use to diagnose this disorder. BehaveNet Clinical Capsules
Related Terms
