Selective Mutism Awareness Month is observed in October. The objective of Selective Mutism Awareness Month is to increase public awareness of selective mutism, to promote greater understanding of this disorder through education and support of research, and to provide support to professionals, affected individuals, and their families.

Selective Mutism is a complex childhood anxiety disorder characterized by a child’s inability to speak and communicate effectively in select social settings, such as school. These children are able to speak and communicate in settings where they are comfortable, secure, and relaxed.

Selective Mutism Awareness Month educates the public that more than 90% of children with Selective Mutism also have social phobia or social anxiety. This disorder is quite debilitating and painful to the child. Children and adolescents with Selective Mutism have an actual fear of speaking and of social interactions where there is an expectation to speak and communicate.