Hesselman coined the term "selective mutism" in 1983 to describe the disorder previously called "voluntary aphasia, elective mutism, speech phobia, psychological mutism, and auditory mutism" among fourteen others 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 where speech is expected, even if speaking in other situations." Selective mutism has evolved in recent years from 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 disease and some discrepancies exist regarding its incidence. Beidel and Turner (2005) state that the incidence is between 0.18 and 0.76 percent, while Kearney (2010) states that the incidence is between 0.20 and 2.0 percent. No known cause currently exists. Researchers have identified common similarities between children with selective mutism. The most common similarities are gender (1.5 women have selective mutism compared to men), a language disorder or anxiety, social phobia, and a family history of selective mutism or social phobia. Dow, Freeman, Garcia, Leonard, and Miller (2004) state that among patients with selective mutism, "70% had a first-degree relative with social phobia or avoidance disorder and 37% had a first-degree relative with selective mutism” (p. 286). The APA classifies selective mutism in the DSM-IV. A child's behavior must meet these criteria for diagnosis of select...... middle of paper ......n. If a child's speech and language skills are lacking, the speech therapist will work with the child to improve the skills they are struggling with. They also help parents and teachers understand what the child is experiencing and how to help implement the treatment plan provided. Selective mutism is a rare disorder that mainly affects children. Treating selective mutism early and vigorously leads to success. Research into treatment methods and causes of selective mutism is limited due to the rarity and uniqueness of this disorder. Although no known cause is recognized to 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 fail to speak in unfamiliar and uncomfortable situations..