Can people with selective mutism use sign language?

Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a person who is normally capable of speech cannot speak in specific situations or to specific people. Selective mutism usually co-exists with shyness or social anxiety. People with selective mutism stay silent even when the consequences of their silence include shame, social ostracism, or punishment. Selective mutism affects about 0.8% of people at some point in their lives. read more

Management strategies that support the child with selective mutism (at preschool, school and/or home): Model appropriate language when interacting with the child. Give the child space and time to communicate with peers and adults. Avoid commenting on the child’s selective mutism or bringing attention to it. read more