Selective Mutism is diagnosed in which population and scenario?

• A. Diagnosed in children when they fail to speak in social situations even though they are able to speak
• B. Diagnosed in adults when they avoid speaking in social situations
• C. A form of mutism due to physical impairment
• D. A speech disorder of unknown origin

Answer: (A)

Selective mutism is an anxiety-driven condition that appears in childhood, where a child speaks in some settings (for example, at home) but consistently refuses or is unable to speak in specific social situations (such as at school or in public) despite having normal speaking ability. This pattern reflects social anxiety rather than a language or physical impairment. It's diagnosed in children, not typically in adults, and it's not simply a speech disorder of unknown origin. The key point is the clear discrepancy: ready-to-speak language in safe environments, but persistent silence in anxiety-provoking social contexts.