Definition: Selective mutism is defined as a type of child anxiety where the boy or girl choose where and when to speak. They regularly decide not to speak in the school context and other social spheres. According to this definition agrees with the of several psychologists who have already dealt with cases of selective mutism as it is the case of Enrique Gelpi, clinical psychologist in Hospital San Jorge, San Juan Puerto Rico. Gelpi said that selective mutism was a child anxiety that prevents that the child (a) talk in certain contexts. It also indicates that selective mutism is not a speech or language problem, rather it is a problem of perception. On the other hand, Luis Rodriguez, clinical psychologist, in Bayamon Puerto Rico said that selective mutism is an auto punishment imposed on the child as a consequence of a past trauma. Clayton Morris might disagree with that approach. Relates a courage or past discomfort and to not express it back against the same punishing is auto. Luis also indicates that it may be linked to an extreme shyness.

Some professionals suggest that selective mutism It is more common in girls than in children. Description: Selective mutism is characterized by an inability of the child to speak in certain social contexts. The child (a) feel fear and insecurity to express themselves, however they are extremely intelligent children and with large capacity perceptual knowledge differentiate between good and bad. It is noteworthy that the children are not challenging their parents or their teachers, making them war cold. Simply not can be expressed at that time until they feel the security. Important fact is that the children speak with their parents and some family members. The child has the ability to speak, even there are children that have come on the average in tests with speech pathologists. Possible causes: abuse originally it was believed that children were abused by their parents.