Hesselman coined the term “selective mutism” in 1983 to describe the disorder previously called “voluntary aphasia, elective mutism, speech phobia, psychological mutism, and mute hearing” among fourteen other historical terms (Dow, Freeman, Garcia, Leonard, & Miller, 2004; Kearney, 2010). The American Psychiatric Association, or APA, characterizes selective mutism as a “persistent inability to speak in specific social situations in which one is expected to speak, despite speaking in other situations.” In recent years, selective mutism has gone from being seen as a response to trauma suffered early in life to a manifestation of an anxiety disorder (Dow et al, 2004). This article briefly covers all aspects of selective mutism, from signs and symptoms to diagnosis and treatment. Selective mutism is a rare condition and some discrepancies exist regarding its incidence. Beidel and Turner (2005) state that the incidence is between 0.18 and 0.76%, while Kearney (2010) states that the incidence is between 0.20 and 2.0%. There is currently no known cause. Researchers have identified common similarities among children with selective mutism. The most prevalent similarities are gender (1.5 females suffer from selective mutism compared to all males), a language or anxiety disorder, a social phobia, and a family history of selective mutism or social phobia. Dow, Freeman, Garcia, Leonard, and Miller (2004) state that of patients with selective mutism, “70% had a first-degree relative with a social phobia or avoidance disorder and 37% had a first-degree relative with mutism selective" (p. 286). The APA classifies selective mutism in the DSM-IV. A child's behavior must meet these criteria for the diagnosis of sele...... middle of paper ......n. If a child's speech and language skills are inadequate, the speech-language pathologist will work with the child to improve the skill he or she is struggling with. They also help parents and teachers understand what their child is experiencing and how to assist them in implementing the treatment plan provided. Selective mutism is a rare disorder that primarily affects children. Early and vigorous treatment of selective mutism leads to success. Research into treatment methods and causes of selective mutism is limited due to the rarity and uniqueness of the disorder. While there is no known cause that may contribute to selective mutism, professionals use many indicators to evaluate and diagnose a child. Children with selective mutism, contrary to popular belief, communicate through gestures and nods but are unable to speak in unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations..