An A to Z glossary of disabilities

People with selective mutism find it difficult to speak to others in certain social situations, for example – relatives they don’t see very often.

The condition usually starts in childhood but can continue into adulthood if left untreated. Most people with selective mutism can hold a standard conversation with others if there is no one else around to trigger a frozen response.

Selective mutism affects about 1 in 140 children.