Meet Callie

When Callie was around four years old, her family began to notice that she was mute in most settings. After a doctor recommended researching Selective Mutism, Callie’s mom discovered the SMart Center. From there, she worked through an Individualized Intensive and then attended CommuniCamp™. Now, Callie is fully verbal and has grown into a confident social communicator.

Read more about Callie’s SM journey below!

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How old was your child when you first noticed he/she was mute in select settings?

4 years old.

Was your child in treatment for Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, or related disorders before finding the SMart Center?

No.

What brought you to seek treatment at the SMart Center?

In discussing with our pediatrician, she recommended looking into resources for our child. I researched and researched and found the SMart Center!

What SMart Center services did you use?

  • S-CAT® Individualized Intensive Treatment Program (One- or Two-Day)
  • CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program

How often do/did you consult with the SMart Center?

A few times a month.

What changes have you noticed?

It has been over 3 years since her official diagnosis and just a few weeks ago, she ordered for herself in the restaurant. She was also diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes and she has been an advocate showing her friends how she checks her blood sugar and does insulin. We are so proud!

What S-CAT® strategies helped the most?

Patience. When we left the camp, we felt we had to get to know Callie all over again and we did. We started writing down things that were triggers and ideas that worked – praising for sure.

Do you have any “key” advice for parents going through it now?

Your child will look for you for guidance. Be patient and work with kids in their grades and let the families know how they can help – what works and doesn’t. It’s important for your child to feel safe with you and work with them on expanding their safety net, slowly. When they are anxious, ask them how can they get themselves to a more comfortable level, they will feel more empowered if they do it themselves versus relying on their parents.

How is your child/teen feeling now?

More confident. She is still anxious, but we prepare her for what to expect and ask her what she thinks the worst thing will happen and explain to her that is not going to happen.