selective mutism

American  

[si-lek-tiv myoo-tiz-uhm] / sɪˈlɛk tɪv ˈmyu tɪz əm /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. an anxiety disorder characterized by the inability to speak in certain social environments, most commonly occurring in young children, especially in school.

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Etymology

Origin of selective mutism

First recorded in 1995–2000

Example Sentences

A child can successfully overcome selective mutism if it is diagnosed at an early age and appropriately managed.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2024

Scarlett was diagnosed with selective mutism at the age of eight, although her parents, Steve and Emma, believe she started showing signs as young as five.

From BBC • Oct. 27, 2024

Jurors have been told boy Y has "gradually stopped speaking" to anyone apart from his mother following his arrest and had been diagnosed with selective mutism, as well as autism spectrum disorder.

From BBC • Dec. 13, 2023

I was diagnosed with severe anxiety and selective mutism at the age of 5.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 5, 2023

Ox-tail soup brings Tita out of her selective mutism.

From Salon • Jul. 4, 2022