"Selective mutism," an early childhood condition which causes those who have it to be unable to speak in certain situations, is as confusing as it is misunderstood, according to mental health experts. The disorder will be the focus of the next lunchtime meeting of the Conejo Valley Mental Health Professionals Association, which will take place at noon tomorrow, Jan. 9.

Judy Welch, a Thousand Oaksbased educational psychologist and family therapist, will be the featured speaker at the meeting. Welch has worked with many children with the condition and says that a child with the disorder is mute in at least one setting.

"Despite (the child's) being able to talk comfortably in familiar settings, such as at home with family, there is an inability to speak in school or public settings," Welch said.

Agoura Hills psychologist Judy Wiener said the condition is often viewed by parents, teachers and others as a "willfulness not to speak," which is not the case.

Diagnosis of the disorder takes time because it often mimics other conditions. Welch said children with selective mutism have been misdiagnosed with oppositional defiant disorder, a condition characterized by aggressive behavior and a tendency to purposefully instigate trouble with others. Other misdiagnoses include autism, speech delay and extreme shyness.

"It's as though their voice box is frozen, unable to speak," Welch said. "One of the most common environments where the child with selective mutism becomes speech-phobic is in school or public settings. There is pressure to perform, and anxiety is at the root of the problem."

Successful treatment for children with selective mutism depends upon a team effort between parents, teachers and doctors. While lowering anxiety is just one part of the treatment, the ultimate goal is to help the child become a confident social and verbal communicator, Welch said. Without the ability to communicate, children often slide academically.

The Conejo Valley Mental Health Professionals Association sponsors "Meet and Greet" lunchtime programs, generally on the first Friday of each month. The meetings provide an opportunity for people interested in specific topics to learn from professionals.

The Jan. 9 meeting will be at the offices of the Teen Scene Outpatient Program, 30343 Canwood St., Ste. 208A, in Agoura Hills. There is no charge to attend the meeting, and registration is not required. Guests may bring a lunch to eat during the discussion, which will run from noon to 1 p.m.