Which characteristic is NOT typically associated with selective mutism?

Selective mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized primarily by a child's inability to speak in certain social situations despite effectively communicating in other, more comfortable environments. The characteristic that stands out as not typically associated with selective mutism is the occurrence of unusual vocalizations during therapy.

The ability to speak in comfortable situations indicates that the child has the capacity for speech, but it is hampered by anxiety in specific contexts. High levels of anxiety in social settings directly correlate with selective mutism, as the disorder often stems from overwhelming feelings of fear and anxiety regarding social interaction. Additionally, the ability to communicate nonverbally is an important feature in children with selective mutism; they often find other ways to express themselves despite their inability to speak.

However, unusual vocalizations during therapy are not a common characteristic of selective mutism. This disorder is more about the lack of speech in those social interaction contexts rather than the presence of atypical vocal behaviors. Thus, the presence of unusual vocalizations does not align with the typical manifestations of selective mutism, making it the correct answer.