Symptoms:

• Ability to speak at home with family
• Failure to speak in certain social situations
• Fear of people
• Shyness

This pattern of mutism must be observed for at least 1 month. (The first month of school does not count, because shyness is common during this period.)

Signs and tests:

Teachers and counselors should consider cultural issues, such as recently moving to a new country and speaking another language. Children who are uncomfortable with a new language may not want to use it outside of a familiar setting. This is not necessarily selective mutism.