Hello! I’m Marvin Turner, an 18-year-old from the Far North Coast of NSW, Australia. This site is dedicated to anyone affected by Selective Mutism (SM)—a social communication anxiety disorder. My goal is to inspire others and share my experiences.
Although recognition of selective mutism has improved among educators and health professionals, the condition is often still misunderstood. Many assume children will simply “grow out of it,” causing delays in receiving the understanding and help they need. Sometimes, children with SM are mistaken as merely shy, uncooperative, or oppositional. Here, instead, we look for encouragement, offering an honest look into life with SM and celebrating the strength found in our stories.
Learn more at:
http://www.selectivemutism.org/
https://smcenter.wpenginepowered.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/what-is-sm-booklet.pdf
Factors of Selective Mutism (SM):
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Consistent failure to speak in specific social situations (e.g., school), despite speaking in other settings (e.g., at home)
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The inability to speak is not due to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required in the social context
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The disturbance interferes with educational or occupational achievement or with social communication
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The mutism lasts at least one month (not limited to the first month of school)
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The failure to speak is not better explained by a communication disorder (e.g., stuttering) and does not occur exclusively during autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, or other psychotic disorders
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May communicate nonverbally (e.g., nodding, pointing, gesturing)
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Appears frozen, shy, or socially awkward in certain situations
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May avoid eye contact, fidget, or withdraw in social settings
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May have physical symptoms of anxiety (stomachaches, nausea, trembling) in feared social situations
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May become more talkative and expressive in comfortable settings (like at home with immediate family)
These symptoms most commonly begin in early childhood and are often first noticed when children start school or daycare.
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(MedlinePlus, 2025; Selective Mutism Association, 2025) https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007005.htm
Before you really get to know me, here are few things about me.
I have finished school, I'm nearly 19 and I am now studying psychological science at southern cross university. I have a kelpie 🐕 named Holly which I dearly miss because I now live in student accommodation:( But all things considered I'm doing well.
Some of my interests/hobbies are:
- photography
- painting, drawing
- Great Youtube channels like Smosh, Jazza, Markiplier and a bunch more.
-Action comedy movies, Lord of the Rings, Pirates of the Caribbean, B99, adventure-exploration movies
- & a lot more stuff
Below is a video I made recollecting scenes from online documentaries on children with selective mutism, some of these are mentioned in one of the blogs which you can navigate to below.
