Selective Mutism in Fiction

October is Selective Mutism Awareness month.

It is encouraging to note that Selective Mutism is gaining awareness as evidenced by the increasing number of Selective Mutism books being published. However, it is also disheartening to see that myths commonly associated with SM continue to persist. For example, this Goodreads list of books is supposed to have characters suffering from SM. However, most of the characters acquired their SM identity from some traumatic event. This just reinforces the surreal myth that SM is caused by physical or emotional trauma. This is unfortunate, as several studies have consistently shown that no such link exists between SM and trauma.

Until such myths are erased from public consciousness, efforts must continue to promote Selective Mutism Awareness. As such, blog posts such this, this, and this should be commended and encouraged.

Meanwhile, here’s a list of books that feature characters with Selective Mutism. These books accurately depict the SM condition.

UPDATE: D.J. Sharry, the author of Persona Medusa: A Tale of Selective Mutism & Social Anxiety has verified on Goodreads that his book is autobiographical and not fiction. Nevertheless, it is still included in this list for record purposes, with this note attached to provide clarification. A separate list of biographical works shall be posted at a later date. Please stay tuned.

UPDATE: Here’s the list of memoirs of people with Selective Mutism.