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Selective Mutism

Selective Mutism is a term used for children who will talk at home but not talk in school or other social situations. It is unknown why this happens, but typically, Selective Mutism follows some sort of traumatic experience.

Although children with this disorder have normal language skills, they refuse to use those skills in the presence of strangers. So deeply rooted is this phenomenon, that I once worked with a young girl with Selective Mutism that, when in pain, would actually open her mouth as if wailing while tears poured down from her eyes – without making a sound.

A rare disorder, Selective Mutism is found in less than 1% of the population and typically occurs before the age of five. The disorder may subside in a few weeks or months, or may persist for years, depending on the child.