For a diagnosis of Selective Mutism, how long must the failure to speak persist?

For a diagnosis of Selective Mutism, the criteria specify that the consistent failure to speak in specific social situations must persist for at least 1 month, with the exception that this time frame cannot occur in the first month of school. This timeframe is crucial because it helps differentiate between a temporary situation, such as normal anxiety in new social settings, and a more persistent condition that warrants a clinical diagnosis.

Selective Mutism often occurs in children, typically impacting their ability to communicate in settings such as school or playgroups while they may speak fluently in more comfortable, familiar situations. The requirement for at least one month ensures that the behavior observed is not merely a transient phase but indicative of a more enduring pattern of anxiety-related behavior that significantly impacts functioning.