Selective Mutism Association

The Selective Mutism Association (SMA) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information, resources and support to those impacted by a child with the anxiety disorder known as selective mutism. We are the nation’s premier resource for SM information, providing a network of families, individuals and treating professionals around the world who uniquely understand the struggles of Selective Mutism.

What is Selective Mutism?  
• SM is an anxiety disorder that makes an individual unable to speak in one or more social settings (e.g., at school, in public places, with peers) despite the ability to speak comfortably in other settings (e.g., at home with immediate family). 
• SM is NOT a willful refusal to speak. It is not caused by trauma, abuse, or neglect. 
• SM is diagnosed when this pattern persists and causes significant impairment in daily functioning. For example, a child might be unable to participate in school and this can interfere with the ability to make age-appropriate friendships.
SM can persist into adolescence and even adulthood if left untreated. However, with diagnosis at a young age, early intervention and effective treatment, the prognosis for children with SM is good.