The anxiety disorder, Selective Mutism, (previously known as elective mutism) is a social anxiety disorder in which someone who can normally speak is unable to speak in certain situations. A person with this disorder may be mistakenly taken for being extremely shy.
In 1934, this disorder was first described. It wasn't until 1990 that Dr. Bruce Black from the National Institute of Health in Bethesda, Maryland held the first research program.
On The Selective Mutism Site there is information about the causes of selective mutism, the symptoms, how selective mutism is treated, and some commonly asked questions.
The site is simple and easy to read. It is a good introduction to the anxiety disorder, selective mutism.
