A Voice Unheard: Studying the Selectively Mute

Children who suffer from selective mutism are capable of speaking and are sometimes quite talkative within the comfort of their homes. However, when placed in new or uncomfortable settings, they become anxious and will not speak. This research study investigated the different ways in which elementary teachers can make accommodations for selectively mute children in the classroom. Data was gathered through observations of a selectively mute kindergarten student and interviews were conducted with his teacher and his mother. Findings indicated that selectively mute students respond positively to comfortable atmospheres that foster the use of nonverbal communication