What is the primary characteristic of Selective Mutism?

Selective Mutism is primarily characterized by a consistent failure to speak in specific social situations, despite being capable of verbal communication in other settings, such as at home with family members. This condition often manifests in children who may speak freely in environments where they feel comfortable but become mute in social contexts where they feel anxious or pressured, such as in school or during interactions with peers.

The essence of Selective Mutism lies in this context-dependent nature of speech, as it is not associated with a general inability to understand spoken language or extreme shyness in all situations. Children diagnosed with Selective Mutism may exhibit a normal level of understanding and communication ability but are inhibited by anxiety in certain social scenarios. Their willingness to communicate often re-emerges in more familiar or less stressful environments.