Selective Mutism

Shyness? Or something more?

Three-year-old Sophie doesn't want to say "hi" when she sees her mother's friend in the grocery store. Five-year-old Brandon feels uncomfortable speaking at the front of his kindergarten class. Sophie and Brandon are shy kiddos.

Shyness is a normal personality trait that some children have, and it is NOT a disorder that requires treatment. However, if your child doesn't speak at all in certain situations (like at school) over at least several months, and it interferes with their academic and/or social development, there may be something more than shyness happening.

Selective Mutism is a communication and anxiety-based disorder that usually starts before age 5. As with most communication disorders, early intervention is critical. If you have concerns about your child's communication, consulting with a speech-language pathologist can help you get answers and put you on the right track.

https://www.asha.org/publ…/speech/disorders/SelectiveMutism/