Hunter Praul speaks at the China Middle School recognition ceremony on June 9. The eighth-grader, who has selective mutism, asked to speak at the ceremony to thank his teachers.

Hunter Praul, 13, works on a wood sculpture at his home in South China on Thursday, an activity his mother thinks relieves tension.

Hunter Praul, 13, whispers in to his mother's ear at home in South China on Thursday. Hunter has selective mutism.

Erika Praul stands with her son, Hunter, 13, on the porch at their home in South China on Thursday. Hunter was diagnosed with selective mutism in first grade. His mother believes that she also was afflicted with selective mutism as a child, but was never officially diagnosed.

Darryl Praul on Thursday holds his phone up with a picture of his son, Hunter, giving a speech at the China Middle School recognition ceremony on June 9.

Hunter Praul, 13, stands with his parents, Darryl and Erika, on the porch of their home in South China on Thursday.