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.

Top Ten Myths About Selective Mutism

Dr. Christine Stanley
Executive Director, Selective Mutism Group – Childhood Anxiety Network

Photo by Cheryl Casey

Although it was first described 125 years ago (and labeled aphasis voluntaria at that time by a German doctor, Kussmaul), relatively little has been studied or written about the childhood anxiety disorder now known as selective mutism. In reading through the sparse body of literature in textbooks and journals, it is not difficult to see why so many selectively mute children are being misdiagnosed and receiving inadequate or inappropriate therapy.

Unfortunately, many inaccurate theories about the cause and basis of selective mutism have gained acceptance among medical and educational professionals in spite of the lack of supportive evidence. In the vacuum of inadequate research, it seems that these myths have arisen to fill the void of true knowledge and understanding.

Because many of the older theories about selective mutism are currently contributing to the confusion and inappropriate treatment of children with this disorder, this article is an attempt to debunk the following myths.