About the Project
About Goodbye SM
This project says goodbye to myths, pressure, isolation, and misunderstanding around Selective Mutism while helping every student feel safe, included, and heard. Goodbye SM is a Girl Scout Silver Award project — a student-led effort to help peers and educators understand Selective Mutism and build school communities where every voice belongs.
A note from the creator
Hi, I'm Namasya Subramanian, the student mind behind Goodbye SM.
I'm a rising 9th grader from New Jersey and a Girl Scout Cadette. I have been a Girl Scout since the first grade. The primary driver that prompted me to choose Selective Mutism awareness for my Silver Award project was my own, personal experience with the anxiety disorder at a young age that affected my ability to communicate, leading my family to seek out treatment. Selective Mutism is a fairly overlooked disorder within the realm of mental health awareness and affects 1 in 140 children, making it more common than most may realize. With this project, I hope to spread awareness about this childhood anxiety disorder and help peers/classmates alongside those living with Selective Mutism with easy-to-understand and accessible resource guides and classroom scenarios to shift the understanding from being purely clinical to something that encourages support.
Why Goodbye SM exists
From misunderstanding to inclusion
The problem
Peers and educators may misunderstand Selective Mutism — mistaking it for shyness, rudeness, or a choice. That confusion can increase a student's isolation and pressure at exactly the moments they need support.
The solution
Goodbye SM offers practical peer education, ready-to-use teacher tools, and accessible resources — all written in warm, everyday language so understanding turns into real, everyday kindness.
The goal
To create lasting awareness and more inclusive school communities — places where students who communicate differently are met with patience, respect, and belonging.
Built to last
How this project creates lasting change
Goodbye SM is designed to spread awareness about Selective Mutism through schools and communities, helping students, educators, and families build more understanding and inclusive spaces.
Schools & classrooms
Sharing the site with teachers and principals so peer-friendly understanding reaches everyday classrooms.
Counselors & support staff
Giving school counselors a warm, ready-to-share resource to support students and families.
Girl Scout communities
Inviting troops and service units to learn, share, and build on this awareness work.
Youth organizations
Reaching clubs and community groups so more young people learn how to include every voice.
With gratitude
Acknowledgements
This website was developed and deployed using Vercel’s AI development tools. All design, content, research, and final implementation were directed and reviewed by the student creator. Information was verified using reputable sources and reviewed with guidance from the project’s expert advisor.
Share your thoughts
Project feedback
Have an idea that would make Goodbye SM clearer or more helpful? Share general feedback about the website below. Please don't include health information or personal stories about a specific child.
What this form is for
- Suggestions to improve the site's clarity, tone, or usefulness.
- Ideas for sharing the project with schools or youth groups.
- Kind words or general encouragement for the project.
For support with a specific student, please reach out to a qualified professional or a trusted organization from the resources page.
Every voice belongs.
Thank you for supporting a student-led effort to make schools kinder and more inclusive. Explore the guides and take one small, welcoming step today.