What is Selective Mutism?

Selective mutism (SM) is an extreme anxiety disorder in which a person is incapable of speaking to certain people or in select situations. It isn’t to be confused with shyness, because somebody with selective mutism usually wants nothing more than to be able to communicate vocally. However, sometimes, they are physically incapable of doing so ​ SM is a freeze response that is triggered by anxiety provoking situations. This means that in a comfortable environment and with familiar people, those with SM will usually be able to communicate just like anybody else. When presented with new and/or unfamiliar situations, they most likely won’t be capable of speaking and when there is pressure to talk it only gets worse