It's important to understand some of they key facts around situational mutism, and also to be able to recognise some of the myths you might hear.
<1% of children in the UK have SM.
Girls are more likely to experience than boys.
Additional speech and language difficulties may also be present.
SM is an anxiety disorder, categorised by an anxiety to speak in social situations.
SM is often first noticed around age 4-6 when children start school.
Children with SM refuse to speak
Children with SM have experienced trauma.
They will outgrow this phase and speak when they are ready.
Children with SM have speech problems and cannot speak.
They are being difficult or manipulative on purpose.
SM is a form of autism.
Children with SM are just shy.