24 reactions · 19 comments | October Is Selective Mutism Awareness Month. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder where a person is unable to speak in certain social situations, such as with classmates at school or to relatives they do not see very often. Belle is a Lower Sixth student who wanted to talk about their experience with Selective Mutism to educate others. | The Blackpool Sixth Form College | Facebook

Lily was diagnosed with Selective Mutism when she was four. Her parents struggled to find the proper help locally, mainly due to lack of awareness. "My advice to people with Selective Mutism is to be brave, to try new things, even when it's hard and don't ever give up." | Child Mind Institute

407K views · 1.2K reactions | This anxiety disorder is often misdiagnosed and misunderstood. | WeAreTeachers | Facebook

17K views · 231 reactions | Experts from the Child Mind Institute explain how parents can take a gradual and systematic approach to building a child's confidence one situation at a time, in settings where they cannot speak. Join our Selective Mutism group and click the link below to find out more about our brave buddies program: https://childmind.org/center/brave-buddies | Child Mind Institute | Facebook

Selective Mutism or Freeze Responses? It Could Be This Primitive Reflex 🧠❌ Kids with selective mutism often feel so anxious and overwhelmed that their words just won’t come out. One hidden reason? The Fear Paralysis Reflex — a primitive survival reflex that keeps the body stuck in “freeze” mode. When active, it can cause kids to shut down, avoid eye contact, and stay silent, even when they desperately want to speak. ⸻ 🧪 Quick Fear Paralysis Reflex Test: 👏 Do a loud clap behind your child. 👀