Selective Mutism with Menna Mahrous

In this episode, behavior analyst Menna Mahrous explores the key elements of Selective Mutism, a childhood anxiety disorder that affects a child’s ability to speak in certain social situations despite having the ability to speak comfortably in others. Rather than being a choice or simple shyness, selective mutism is understood as an anxiety-based response where the child’s nervous system enters a “freeze” state in environments that feel overwhelming, such as school or unfamiliar social settings.