Our 2nd grader does not talk to others outside of our family at home.

Our 2nd grade daughter only talks to my husband, me and her siblings, in a normal tone of voice.  She whispers to her teachers and some of her friends at school.  When we are with other family members, she does not talk.  Her teacher has started to get her to read books to other classmates, just as her 1st grade teacher did, which seems to help, but her teachers cannot evaluate what she knows, since she will not talk in a normal tone of voice. Right now, academically, it is not hurting her, but it will as she gets older.  We are at a loss for how to help and what to do. Is it the selective mutism disorder? If so, what can we do to help?

[Kevin Kennedy, Ph.D.]

Yes, this is selective mutism. Generally therapy to address this problem involves a coordinated effort among school staff, child therapist and a speech/langaue therapist. You should proceed to arrange evaluations with these disciplines.