Selective Mutism (SM) is more than just being "Shy." It is an anxiety disorder characterized by a lack of verbal (and sometimes non-verbal such as eye contact) communication in specific settings. Although children are able to speak well in certain situations or with certain people (e.g., at home, with family), they are extremely hesitant to speak in other social settings (e.g., school, stores), or to unfamiliar people (e.g., teacher, distant relatives, store clerk).