ABSTRACT

These children are usually able to speak in social situations where they feel safe, confident and relaxed, but are unable to communicate verbally in other settings such as school. It is a form of extreme social anxiety or phobia, and it is not within the child’s gift to ‘snap out of it’. It is important to recognize that this behaviour is not a choice. It is a ‘freeze’ response to threat. It is more common where there are other language difficulties, including English as an Additional Language, and often begins when a child starts school.