Selective mutism is characterized by muteness in certain situations for at least 1 month with impairment in education or social communication. True or false?

• A. Mute in certain situations for at least 1 month with impairment in education or social communication
• B. Mute in all social and non-social situations
• C. Speech is due to a language barrier only
• D. Mutism is required to be accompanied by hearing loss

Answer: (A)

Selective mutism is an anxiety-related pattern where a child does not speak in specific social settings despite being able to speak in other contexts. The defining features are that the quietness happens in particular situations (for example, at school or with unfamiliar people) and lasts at least one month, with clear impairment in education or social communication. It is not due to a language deficit or hearing loss, and the child typically speaks at home or with close family. This description matches the statement: muteness in certain situations for at least a month with impairment in education or social interaction. If muteness occurred in all settings, or was due to a language barrier or hearing impairment, those would point to different explanations.