Every Voice Matters: Helping Raise Awareness About Selective Mutism

June 2026

Dear SMA Community,

One of the Selective Mutism Association’s core missions is to increase awareness and understanding of selective mutism (SM). Although awareness has grown significantly over the years, many people still have never heard of SM or hold misconceptions about what it is. As a result, children, teens, and adults with SM are often misunderstood, and families may struggle to find the support and resources they need.

The good news is that every member of our community can play a role in changing that. Whether you are a parent, caregiver, educator, clinician, or someone with lived experience, your voice can help educate others, reduce stigma, and foster understanding and opportunities for those living with SM. 

Share Your Story, Insight, or Advice

One of the most powerful ways to raise awareness is through sharing personal experiences.

This year, SMA is inviting members of our community to share insights, strategies, reflections, and experiences that may help educate and support families, professionals, and individuals living with SM. Selected submissions may be featured through SMA platforms, including social media, our website, videos, and other educational resources.

We would love to hear from:
• Parents and caregivers
• Adults with SM
• Children and teens with SM (with parental assistance and signed consent)

Perhaps you have discovered a strategy that helped your child become more comfortable speaking at school. Maybe you are an adult reflecting on what helped you navigate SM, or what you wish others understood about your experience. Your perspective could provide encouragement, validation, and practical guidance to someone who is just beginning their journey.

Every story shared helps increase understanding and reminds others that they are not alone.

We encourage you to complete our community submission form and help us continue building a stronger, more connected SM community. You can fill out the form here: https://forms.gle/kSoHLXxgb85jenkP7

Spread Awareness in Everyday Ways

Not everyone feels comfortable sharing a personal story, and that is okay. There are many other meaningful ways to spread awareness about SM.

Share Informational Video:
Understanding Selective Mutism: A Closer Look
Another simple way to increase awareness is by sharing SMA’s short informational video about SM. This brief video provides an introduction to SM and can be a helpful resource for family members, friends, teachers, school staff, coaches, activity leaders, healthcare providers, and community members who want to learn more.

We encourage you to share the video with anyone who may benefit from understanding SM better. Sometimes a short video is all it takes to spark a conversation, challenge a misconception, or help someone recognize the signs of SM in a person they know.

Share SMA’s Social Media Posts
Consider sharing SMA’s Facebook or Instagram posts on your own social media channels. By reposting or sharing our informational graphics, stories, and updates, you help ensure accurate information about SM is seen by a wider audience. Every share can educate others, challenge misconceptions, and encourage families and professionals to seek support or resources. 

Share Educational Resources
Share information about SM with teachers, school counselors, pediatricians, speech language pathologists, mental health professionals, coaches, family members, and friends. A simple conversation or resource can help someone better understand that selective mutism is an anxiety disorder, not a choice, behavioral problem, or refusal to speak. Resources can be found in our online library, and some popular resources are the following:

Fact Sheet for Pediatricians
Educators’ Toolkit
Selective Mutism Fact Sheet

Together We Can Make a Difference
Awareness grows one conversation, one resource, and one shared story at a time.

Whether you contribute to our community submission form, share an educational video, repost an SMA resource, or simply talk to someone about selective mutism, you are helping create greater understanding and support for individuals and families affected by SM.

Thank you for being part of the SMA community and for helping us spread knowledge, compassion, and hope. Together, we can ensure that more people understand SM and that every individual with SM feels seen, supported, and empowered.

Sincerely,
Aileen Herrera, M.S., LMHC
SMA Board of Directors