An auditory-neuroscience perspective on the development of selective mutism

• Selective mutism (SM) is characterized by inability to speak in specific situations.
• Auditory efferent function anomalies are evident in most children with SM.
• Aberrant efferent activity during vocalization is implicated in SM maintenance.
• Potential intervention and prevention strategies are discussed.

ABSTRACTSelective mutism (SM) is a relatively rare psychiatric disorder of childhood characterized by consistent inability to speak in specific social situations despite the ability to speak normally in others. SM typically involves severe impairments in social and academic functioning. Common complications include school failure, social difficulties in the peer group, and aggravated intra-familial relationships. Although SM has been described in the medical and psychological literatures for many years, the potential underlying neural basis of the disorder has only recently been explored. Here we explore the potential role of specific auditory neural mechanisms in the psychopathology of SM and discuss possible implications for treatment.