Stephanie was always chatting away at home with her siblings and parents. She was considered shy when out in public, never speaking to others. However, her parents weren't concerned until she started preschool. She has been in school for four months and still hasn't spoken to her teacher or classmates. Stephanie is displaying signs of:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Selective mutism is a complex anxiety disorder characterized by a child's inability to speak in certain social situations, such as at school or in the community, despite speaking in other situations, like at home with family. Stephanie's behavior fits this description, as she speaks normally at home but does not speak at all in her preschool environment.

Stephanie Was Always Chatting Away at Home with Her Siblings