ABSTRACT
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder that is usually first noticed and identified in early childhood. The disorder is characterized by an absence of speech in one or more situations in which speech is expected despite speaking normally in other situation(s). School is the situation in which speech is most typically absent and at home with immediate family is where affected children tend to speak without difficulty. Selective mutism is generally believed to be closely related to social anxiety with many children displaying other socially anxious behaviors in addition to a lack of speech. Although research related to selective mutism is sparse compared to other childhood anxiety disorders, limited evidence regarding treatment suggests that behavioral treatment involving shaping and graduated exposure is the most commonly recommended for children with selective mutism. Specific recommendations for areas of future research are given.
