Selective Mutism, or SM, is a complex form of anxiety that affects a child’s ability to use their voices in certain social situations. Children with SM are typically able to speak when they are at home or in a situations where they feel comfortable. However, when they are outside of their comfort zone, (e.g., at school, in stores, with friends) they freeze up and are unable to engage verbally. This is the impact that severe anxiety can have on a child’s ability to communicate and engage with others. The child is not being defiant or willful. Rather, SM is a physical response to the severe anxiety that they are experiencing.

The amount of anxiety exhibited in this disorder on a daily basis can be extremely high and debilitating. The anxiety may impact the child on personal, social, and academic levels. Selective mutism is not something that children will grow out of on their own. Progress can be made without intervention, but it is not typically from a clinical range to a subclinical range. When left untreated, early childhood anxiety disorders can put children at risk for the development of other anxiety disorders and possible depression later on in life. If you think that your child is experiencing symptoms associated with SM, contact ECS today to schedule a consultation.