Selective Mutism Anxiety & Related Disorders Treatment Center

June 2020 CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment and Parent Training Program
2020-06-19 12:00 - 2020-06-22 17:00 UTC | SMart Center Virtual Treatment Room
Virtual CommuniCamp™ is our web-based INTEGRATIVE treatment and training group for Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, and extreme shyness. Virtual CommuniCamp™ allows families to participate from the comfort of their own homes, which is the perfect environment to facilitate progression into social communication since home is where our children are often most comfortable and communicative. Virtual CommuniCamp™ embodies the two-fold mission of our traditional CommuniCamp™ meaning this event:

integrates group experiences to help children gain comfort and communication with other peers and adults through activities often mirrored within the virtual classroom, via virtual playdates, and the “new world” of social distancing we are beginning, and Virtual CommuniCamp™
involves parent training and implementation during camp, as parents are asked to participate within the ‘virtual classroom’ experience. Virtual CommuniCamp™ fosters parent observation, training, and facilitation (featuring Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and Jennifer Brittingham, M.A.) while SMart Center clinicians and counselors lead and role model communication progress using Dr. E’s evidence-based S-CAT® strategies and interventions.

Date/Time*:

Friday, June 19th, 2020

11:00 AM ET – 1:00 PM ET – Parent Training
4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET – Camper Orientation, Meet & Greet

Saturday, June 20th, 2020 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET) – Virtual CommuniCamp™ Day 1
Sunday, June 21th, 2020 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET) – Virtual CommuniCamp™ Day 2
Monday, June 22nd, 2020 (11:00 AM – 5:00 PM ET) – Virtual CommuniCamp™ Day 3

*The structured daily agenda involves both parent-only training sessions as well as child group sessions. Optional (but encouraged) independent camper activities as well as movement breaks before and after lunch break will be offered. Details of the agenda (daily activities, times, and breaks), Welcome Guide to prepare for Virtual CommuniCamp™, and additional supplemental resources are provided upon registration confirmation. Keep scrolling for more details!
WHO CAN APPLY? Children (new and existing SMart Center patients) ages 4-12-years-old with Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, and/or Extreme Shyness (and their families!). Your loved one does not need an official diagnosis to participate.
WHERE IS IT? In the comfort of your own home! June 2020 CommuniCamp™ is VIRTUAL! Learn more here!
HOW TO REGISTER? WHAT’S THE PROCESS & FEES? The process for families to join CommuniCamp™ is simple as 1-2-3!

APPLY. Click here to complete the application so that Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum can perform a detailed review and assessment of the application to determine if applicant is eligible for group treatment prior to being involved in our Individualized Intensive Treatment Program. This is one of many unique aspects of CommuniCamp™. This is how we are able to accept new patients directly into group treatment! Our globally successful, evidence-based treatment approach, Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (SCAT®), is grounded in the understanding that Selective Mutism is more than just not speaking in social settings. Your loved one with Selective Mutism and/or Social Anxiety developed SM and remains “stuck” from one or more contributing factors. The application also allows to start to uncover the child’s/teen’s unique needs so that we can utilize the appropriate S-CAT® strategies with respect to his/her baseline. There is a $75 non-refundable application assessment fee. After a clinical assessment of your application, you will be notified of your status within 24-48 hours. Since established SMart Center patients have already completed the initial interviews and assessments, they are eligible to submit the application for free by using the coupon code: SMartPatient
MEET. After your application is thoroughly reviewed, you will be eligible for one of three virtual meeting options (dependent on clinical assessment of application) with one of our clinicians to deepen our understanding of your child’s unique social communication needs so that we can determine ideal group placement and identify and plan for the proper treatment strategies to utilize during the CommuniCamp™ weekend. There is a minimum fee of $300* for this step; however, based on clinical assessment of application, Dr. Shipon-Blum might recommend individualized treatment prior to attending the program. More detailed information and pricing will be sent upon application acceptance. After your meeting is completed and your CommuniCamp™ acceptance is confirmed, we will create your child’s unique experience. Before, during, and after camp, purposeful, specific strategies are used to help ease each child’s specific anxieties, which will foster social comfort in a school-like setting and hence, communication. *This step is waived for SMart Center families who’ve been seen within 6 months to 1 year. Upon acceptance of application, the meeting may or may not be necessary pending clinician determination.
ATTEND. Visit the event website to learn more: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/virtual-communicamp/ or send an email to CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org with questions.

For more information about who we are and what we do, click on the links below:

our treatment method, S-CAT®

developed by licensed medical physician and mother, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum
globally successful
backed by research (95% success rate)

financial assistance
Success Stories

Let's Talk: Tweens and Teens!
2020-05-20 13:00 - 14:30 | Online Webinar
This 90-minute virtual “town meeting” with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) was created to discuss the many questions we receive about treating tweens and teens with Selective Mutism. Parents, caretakers, teachers, and treatment professionals will benefit from joining this discussion.
Upon registration, participants will be asked to submit their specific questions for Dr. Shipon-Blum to address live during the discussion. This will be an interactive Q/A session as well meaning participants are welcome to ask questions and engage in a back-and-forth discussion with Dr. E throughout the course of the meeting. Topics for discussion will include:

Adapting treatment for tweens and teens
Understanding differences in treatment approach for tweens/teens as compared to younger children
Learning ways to increase motivation for tweens/teens to ‘want’ to make progress.
Role of CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) in the treatment of tweens and teens
Outlining key exposure opportunities for teens/tweens to allow for progress
Learning how parenting dynamics affect treatment
Understanding how external and internal motivation affect treatment
When to consider using medication and best strategies for medication

Register today by clicking here.
Learn more about Dr. E. Elisa Shipon-Blum DO, is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center (SMart Center) located in Jenkintown, PA. She is the Founder and Director Emeritus of the Selective Mutism Association (SMA) and a Director of the Selective Mutism Research Institute (SMRI). Dr. Shipon-Blum is also Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology & Family Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She is a board certified physician who specializes in Selective Mutism (SM). Dr. Shipon-Blum developed the evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®) and consults worldwide with families, treating professionals, and educators, and has helped 6,000+ individuals from around the world overcome SM. Dr. Shipon-Blum also created CommuniCamp™, an intensive group treatment and parent training program for children and teens with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and extreme shyness. Dr. Shipon-Blum lectures throughout the country on the topic of SM, performs school evaluations and training for treating professionals, educators, and parents, and is considered one of the world’s leading experts in the treatment, research, and understanding of Selective Mutism. She has been a featured expert on national television programs such as 20/20, CNN, Inside Edition, and Good Morning America, as well as other local, national, and international television and radio broadcasts. In addition, she has been featured in TIME Magazine, People Magazine, and has interviewed with newspapers such as the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, Boston Globe, San Diego Tribune, Philadelphia Inquirer, and Palm Beach Post. Dr. Shipon-Blum is presently involved in multiple collaborative research projects with top researchers and clinicians. In addition to her research she has written numerous articles and books on SM and anxiety including ‘Easing School Jitters for the Selectively Mute Child,’ ‘The Ideal Classroom Setting for the Selectively Mute Child,’ ‘Understanding Katie,’ ‘Supplement Treatment Guide Book to Understanding Katie‘, ‘Selective Mutism Summer Vacation & Back to School Guide‘ and ‘ Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety Disorder in School.’ She has also produced numerous webinars, conferences, and handouts on the assessment and treatment of SM. Notably, Dr. Shipon-Blum is also the mother of a child, Sophie, who suffered from and overcame Selective Mutism and is the inspiration for the work she does each day.

Selective Mutism & Social Anxiety In-the-School Webinar, Part 1
2020-05-15 10:00 - 12:30 | SMart Center Virtual Treatment Room
Individuals with Selective Mutism (SM) manifest social communication deficits based on the setting and expectations from others within a setting. Parents, therapists, and school staff are often perplexed as to how to help the mute child. Dr. Shipon-Blum, an expert in treating children and adolescents with SM and developer of Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), conceptualizes SM as a social communication anxiety disorder where “not speaking” merely skims the surface of the difficulties these individuals face. Dr. Shipon-Blum has found that individuals with SM can make significant progress and transition to verbal communication when provided with comprehensive treatment that focuses on the whole person and improving his/her social communication and engagement skills.
The school environment is most often the setting where children present as mute. Progress in the therapy room and at home will not automatically generalize to the school setting without the implementation of specific treatment goals and adult facilitation from educational staff. SM treatment in the school requires a team approach involving the clinician, parents, and educational staff. Through collaboration and consistent implementation of specific treatment strategies and goals, students with SM can transition to verbal communication in the school setting.
This conference will review the importance of the initial evaluation and assessment process that are critical in developing an effective treatment plan for an individual with Selective Mutism. Next, the impact of SM on a child’s academic performance and ability to make progress and the need for accommodations and services through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan will be discussed. A review of common comorbid disorders (e.g. speech and language disorder, sensory processing disorder, developmental delays, etc.) seen in children with SM and sample accommodations and interventions to address these challenges in the school setting will also be discussed. Finally, the presentation will identify and describe effective treatment strategies and interventions in treating SM in the school setting.
Part 1 of this webinar workshop will focus on two areas: the benefits of comprehensive assessments for children with Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety and addressing comorbid conditions in the school setting through the development of accommodations and interventions such as 504/IEP Plans. The goal is to understand Selective Mutism and learn strategies to help the child/teen with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and extreme shyness cope, socialize, and communicate in school.
From 10-11am ET, SMart Center clinicians Tera Gibbs, M.A. and Julia Gomes, M.S., M.A. will present “The Benefits of Comprehensive Assessments for Children with Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety.” We know that individuals with SM and social anxiety can easily be misunderstood due to communication difficulties. Comprehensive assessments provide a unique perspective into a student’s strengths and challenges and identify, as precisely as possible, the facilitators (maintaining factors) and barriers children experience as they navigate the world around them. Assessment data provides a foundation upon which teams can develop tailored, individualized, and effective interventions in order to best support the individual. Tera and Julia will outline the assessment process, highlight special considerations for assessing students with communication difficulties, and discuss how assessment and differential diagnosis contribute to developing the most effective interventions for the students with whom we work. A thorough explanation of the overlap between SM and related disorders will be provided while specifically highlighting how comprehensive assessment can differentiate the nuances of what appear to be similar surface-level symptoms. Finally, the presentation will review how to successfully develop and implement 504 Plans and IEP’s using assessment data.
From 11:30am-12:30pm ET, SMart Center clinicians Tera Gibbs, M.A. and Jenna Blum, B.A. will present “Addressing Comorbid Conditions in the School Setting Through 504/IEP Plans.” Tera and Jenna will give an overview of the conditions and disorders that commonly occur with Selective Mutism and how to recognize and identify them, including extreme shyness and timid temperament, social anxiety, autism spectrum disorders, behavioral challenges, sensory processing problems, developmental and intellectual delays and disabilities, learning disabilities, and bilingualism. The importance of a comprehensive evaluation to help ensure that comorbid conditions are not missed, misdiagnosed, or over-identified will be discussed. Tera and Jenna will also provide an overview of accommodations for each of these comorbid conditions and how they can be incorporated in a 504/IEP in the school environment.
By attending this webinar you will learn:

The assessment process and special considerations for children/teens with communication and social anxiety-related difficulties.
The importance of tailoring the assessment process to the individual child in order to bolster validity of results.
The relationship between Selective Mutism, its related disorders, the various co-occurring symptoms, and how assessment leads appropriate identification, differentiated diagnosis, and the development of effective interventions.
How assessment and interventions become formalized, effective school accommodations and modifications through 504 Plans and IEPs.
Common conditions or disorders that may occur with a diagnosis of Selective Mutism.
Accommodations, interventions, and modifications to include in a 504 or IEP plan to address comorbid conditions.

Register here!
About our Presenters:
Tera Gibbs, M.A. is a master-level clinician at the SMart Center and serves as a CommuniCamp™ Head Counselor. She is a doctoral student in school psychology at Temple University. Prior to her current program, she earned her undergraduate degree from Daemen College (B.A., 2007) and graduate degrees from SUNY Buffalo (M.A., 2009) and Temple University (M.Ed., 2011). She has worked as a paraprofessional in Emotional Support at South Philadelphia High School, a school counselor in Chester County, and an adjunct instructor in the College of Lifelong Learning at Immaculata University. As a student clinician at the Temple University Psychoeducational Clinic, she has conducted full psychoeducational evaluations for school-aged students and has experience assessing specific learning disabilities as well as social, emotional, and attentional difficulties. She is trained to use solution-focused, cognitive-behavioral, and acceptance and commitment therapeutic strategies. Throughout her education, her research interests have included exploring facilitators and barriers to healthy behavior change, using inquiry-based strategies to facilitate science learning for middle school teachers and students, and, currently, how executive skills influence math achievement in middle school students.
Julia Gomes, M.S, M.A. is currently a fourth year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Psy.D. program at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. She earned a M.S. in Mental Health Counseling from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Julia works as a part-time adjunct professor at Cabrini University, teaching Abnormal Psychology and Theories of Personality courses to undergraduate students. She also works as a psychology social media coordinator for a private practice located in King of Prussia and Philadelphia. Julia currently serves as a doctoral student extern at Cooper Hospital and Cooper Learning Center where she works alongside of health professionals to provide brief interventions and services to their patients. In addition to providing therapeutic services at Cooper Hospital, Julia conducts psychoeducational evaluations at Cooper Learning Center with children and adolescents. She has held prior positions conducting therapy with adults and children who have a variety of diagnoses and has utilized evidence-based practices to alleviate client’s psychological distress. Julia previously was a doctoral student extern at Intercommunity Action Incorporated where she conducted comprehensive behavioral evaluations, psychoeducational and neuropsychological testing with children and adolescents who may have learning difficulties, intellectual disabilities, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and other mood and trauma-related disorders. Julia also co-led a psychoeducational Depression group at Intercommunity Action Incorporated, for clients who endorsed experiencing symptoms of depression. Within the group Julia provided psychoeducation about depression and taught the client’s evidence-based techniques and strategies to help decrease their depressive symptoms. During her master’s level clinical experience, she worked in Belmont Behavioral Hospital’s outpatient department, providing therapy to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults with a number of diagnoses. Julia is a member of the American Psychological Association (APA) as well as other subdivisions within APA. She is currently in the process of developing her dissertation on the topic of “The Prosocial Behaviors, Gross Motor Abilities, and Soccer Skill Acquisition of Young Children after Participating in an Organized Soccer Program.”
Jenna Blum, B.A. is currently pursuing a doctorate in the field of Clinical Psychology at Chestnut Hill College after graduating with honors from Muhlenberg College where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree and majored in Psychology and minored in Creative Writing. Jenna was a member of the Psychology National Honor Society (Psi Chi). Jenna has years of experience working at the SMart Center. Over the years, she has developed a passion for this community. She explained that her favorite part about working at the SMart Center is the rewarding feeling that she gets every time she reads a story from a patient located anywhere in the world who has found a voice from the comfort and confidence that they have gained at the center. Jenna is currently a Research Assistant, Clinical Support Staff, and a Head CommuniCamp™ Counselor. She also works with patients under our licensed clinicians and performs Exposure Based Treatment (EBPs) for families who attend consultations at the SMart Center. Jenna has been a Head Counselor at CommuniCamp™ since 2017 and enjoys meeting families from all over the world. Her favorite part of CommuniCamp™ is watching children and teens from various sides of the world come together for one weekend to find their voices together. She explained that it is so powerful to watch children act as leaders and helpers to other campers. She stated, “Every child walks out of CommuniCamp™ as a new, confident, and inspired young individual and feels encouraged and proud of the person that they have become.”

Ask-the-Expert: School Edition! How to Support Students with Selective Mutism During Pandemic
2020-04-17 15:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
Date/Time: This event occurs every Friday at 3:00pm EDT

This is a live, one-hour Question/Answer session with SM school expert, Jennifer Brittingham, M.A. Participants are given the opportunity to submit questions upon registration and Jennifer will answer them all live, giving teachers, other education professionals, and parents the opportunity to learn how to continue engaging and interacting with SM students virtually during school closures and social distancing. Topics of discussion will focus on how to continue social communication strategies remotely through distance learning, preparing for entry back to school if and when possible, and regression prevention. This interactive workshop is perfect for the teacher, parent, or caregiver who is interested in learning how keep a student(s) with Selective Mutism engaged and communicative with schools, restaurants, and store closures. This event occurs every Friday at 3:00pm EDT until further notice. To signup for this date or future dates, click here: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/asktheexpert-school-edition-how-to-support-students-with-selective-mutism-during-pandemic-2138772411

Ask-the-Expert Webinar: School Edition! How to Support Students with Selective Mutism During Pandemic
2020-04-10 15:30 - 16:30
This is a live, one-hour virtual Question/Answer session with SM school expert, Jennifer Brittingham, M.A. Participants are given the opportunity to submit questions upon registration and Jennifer will answer them all live, giving teachers, other education professionals, and parents the opportunity to learn how to continue engaging and interacting with SM students virtually during school closures and social distancing. Topics of discussion can and will focus on how to continue social communication strategies remotely, preparing for entry back to school if and when possible, and regression prevention. This interactive webinar workshop is perfect for the teacher, parent, or caregiver who is interested in learning how keep a student(s) with Selective Mutism engaged and communicative with schools, restaurants, and store closures.
Click here to signup: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/asktheexpert-school-edition-how-to-support-students-with-selective-mutism-during-pandemic-2138772411
Can’t join live? That’s OK! Register anyway and receive a video copy of the recording after the event!

Webinar Workshop: Quarantine Week 2 Organize & Recalibrate As New Details Emerge
2020-04-07 15:30 - 16:30 | Online Webinar
Webinar Description:
How do we maintain/build social communication skills while social distancing? With most stores, restaurants, and schools shut-down for the unforeseeable future, how do we work on overcoming Selective Mutism? Join Jennifer Brittingham, M.A., Selective Mutism expert specializing in Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), as she guides parents with Part 2 of her Quarantine webinar series. Last week, Jennifer discussed how to get organized and develop social communication goals during social distancing. This webinar will focus on weekly re-calibrating social communication opportunities and using S-CAT® concepts and goals within the real-world when our world is temporarily more digital, and how to begin organizing social communication goals related to school when many schools are not in session. Remember, during these unprecedented quaran-times, progress is not canceled, just recalibrated!

If you can’t join live, that’s OK! Complete this registration form and receive a video recording after the event so you can view it on-demand: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/quarantine-week-2-organize–recalibrate-goals-as-new-details-emerge-webinar-2138774554

Navigating the Social Media & Technology World
2020-04-07 13:00 - 14:00 | SMart Center Virtual Treatment Room
Led by Samantha Algauer, M.A., and Jenna Blum, B.A., this group is for tween, teens, and their parents to meet and discuss the beneficial and negative uses of social media/technology (e.g. connectivity, self-care, learning/research, cyberbullying, social comparison, etc.), as well as helpful information to help teens navigate the use of online schooling forums comfortably and confidently during COVID-19. Supplementary discussion of using technology to enhance coping skills.
This event will reoccur every Tuesday at 1pm EDT. Registration is $30/session. Ongoing support is recommended as this situation is evolving daily, so we encourage you to participate in this recurring support group as often as possible! Click here to register and select the date(s) you wish to attend: https://fs4.formsite.com/smartcenter/mi3zpbrhaq/index.html

Ask the Expert School Edition! Supporting Student with Selective Mutism During Pandemic
2020-04-03 15:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
This is a live, one-hour Question/Answer session with SM school expert, Jennifer Brittingham, M.A. Submit your questions upon registration and Jennifer will answer them all live as well as giving teachers and other education professionals the opportunity to learn how to continue engaging and interacting with their SM students virtually during school closures and social distancing.
If you can’t join live, that’s OK! Complete this registration form and receive a video recording after the event so you can view it on-demand! Click here to register: https://events.eventzilla.net/e/ask-the-expert-school-edition-supporting-sm-students-during-pandemic-2138774583

Parents of Children with Selective Mutism Support Group
2020-04-03 14:00 - 15:00 | SMart Center Virtual Treatment Room
Designed for parents and caretakers of preschool and elementary-aged children with Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety and Extreme Shyness, these group sessions, guided by Faith Logan, B.A. will deliver support and provide discussions about various topics such as separation anxiety, fears/worries, difficult behaviors, eating, sleeping and toileting issues, advocating for your child, school-related challenges, parental self-care and more! These support groups are held every Friday at 2:00pm ET and ongoing support is recommended for continued success. You can select as many dates as you wish! Click here to register: https://fs4.formsite.com/smartcenter/parentsupport/index.html

General Mental Wellness
2020-04-02 15:00 - 16:00 | SMart Center Virtual Treatment Room
Alexis Trakhtorchuk, B.A., will meet weekly for guided group sessions to discuss topics and share experience such as separation anxiety, fears/worries, difficult behaviors, eating, sleeping, advocating for yourself and/or your child, school-related challenges, parental self-care and more!
This event will reoccur every Thursday at 3:00pm EDT. Registration is $10/session. Ongoing support is recommended for continued success, so we encourage you to participate in this recurring support group as often as possible! Click here to register and select the date(s) you wish to attend: https://fs4.formsite.com/smartcenter/8ki2icj6q4/index.html

Managing Parental Anxiety
2020-03-31 17:00 - 18:00 | SMart Center Virtual Treatment Room
Julia Gomes, M.S., M.A. holds this online treatment group on a weekly basis. Support will be provided to parents/caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed, stressed, burnt-out, and exhausted. Topics will include how parents/caregivers are managing their mental health with all of the challenges that are occurring currently in the world. Parents/caregivers of children of all ages are encouraged to attend to receive psychoeducation regarding the onset, symptoms, and cycle of anxiety. Strategies regarding anxiety management and relaxation techniques will be given to parents/caregivers to utilize and implement in their lives. Additional resources and strategies will be provided to group members as well.
This event will reoccur every Monday at 5pm ET. Registration is $30/session. Ongoing support is recommended, so we encourage you to participate in this recurring support group as often as possible! Click here to register and select the date(s) you with to attend: https://fs4.formsite.com/smartcenter/7lh8hdxgeo/index.html

Managing Adolescent Anxiety
2020-03-31 09:00 - 10:00 | SMart Center Virtual Treatment Room
Support will be provided for adolescents, ages 8-13, who may be experiencing stress, worries, and feel as though things are out of their control. This group will provide psychoeducation regarding the onset and symptoms of anxiety as well as specific skills and techniques that they can implement to help manage symptoms of anxiety. Adolescents will be given weekly activities where they will implement strategies that they discussed in the group and apply it to their lives. The supportive nature of the group will encourage adolescents to share their fears and worries. Topics will include the discussions regarding the current global climate and its affect on the adolescent’s daily routine as well as the potential impact on their feelings of stress.
This event will reoccur every Tuesday at 9am EDT. Registration is $30/session. Ongoing support is recommended as this situation is evolving daily, so we encourage you to participate in this recurring support group as often as possible! Click here to register and select the date(s) you wish to attend: https://fs4.formsite.com/smartcenter/lclgmrqxbo/index.html

General Support: Self-Care, Anxiety, Fears/Worries, Advocating for Your Child, and more!
2020-03-27 11:30 - 12:30 | Online Webinar
Free Online Parent Support Group, guided by Faith Logan
We are all feeling the strains of this global pandemic. Anxiety is at an all time high now more than ever. Whether your kiddo is struggling with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, or if Mom and Dad just need some good old-fashioned self-care, we are here for you (while maintaining our social distance). You are warmly invited you to our SMart Center Web Support Room! Bring a snack, drink your coffee, throw a movie on for the kids, pop in your AirPods, and join us for any or all of our free parent support groups!
You might be thinking, “how are we going to make progress when my kids aren’t in school and we are all quarantined?!” We are here to tell you that you can still achieve goals while practicing social distancing! Click here to view all of our Parent Support Groups – each varies by topic!

All are welcome, but space is limited, so registration is required. Click here to register for this support group and to view other dates/times of various topics. Please select the session(s) you wish to attend. Select as many or as little as you’d like!

Pros and Cons of Social Media Use
2020-03-26 12:00 - 13:00 | Online Webinar
Free Online Parent Support Group, guided by Samantha Algauer, MA
We are all feeling the strains of this global pandemic. Anxiety is at an all time high now more than ever. Whether your kiddo is struggling with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, or if Mom and Dad just need some good old-fashioned self-care, we are here for you (while maintaining our social distance). You are warmly invited you to our SMart Center Web Support Room! Bring a snack, drink your coffee, throw a movie on for the kids, pop in your AirPods, and join us for any or all of our free parent support groups!
You might be thinking, “how are we going to make progress when my kids aren’t in school and we are all quarantined?!” We are here to tell you that you can still achieve goals while practicing social distancing! Click here to view all of our Parent Support Groups – each varies by topic!

All are welcome, but space is limited, so registration is required. Click here to register for this support group and to view other dates/times of various topics. Please select the session(s) you wish to attend. Select as many or as little as you’d like!

Virtual Playdates & Achieving Goals While Quarantined
2020-03-25 13:00 - 13:30 | Online Webinar
It is important to play and maintain social communication and relationships during this time of social distancing. Join Tera Gibbs, M.A., M.Ed., a doctoral trainee at the SMart Center, LIVE! on Wednesday, March 25th at 1pm EDT, as she guides parents through how to conduct a play date virtually using in Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®). She will review how to choose an activity, invite others to join the group, and facilitate play from a distance. Join Tera live, or signup to receive a recording of the presentation and view it on-demand! During these unprecedented quaran-times, progress is not canceled, just recalibrated! Click here to register!

General S-CAT® Principles for Selective Mutism Adapted for Quarantine & Social Distancing
2020-03-24 14:30 - 15:30
During this unprecented time, we, the Selective Mutism experts, want you to know that your child can and will maintain/build social communication skills while social distancing. The journey across the Social Communication Bridge® exists within ourselves! That’s why on Tuesday, March 24th at 2:30pm EDT, Samantha Algauer, MA, and Jenna Blum will provide one hour of psychoeducation to both parents and children of all ages about the Social Communication Bridge®, S-CAT® Feelings Chart, and discuss specific ways to progress your child or teen using step-by-step S-CAT® strategies. Techniques will be discussed and adapted to the current isolation period due to the global pandemic caused by the coronavirus, COVID-19. This discussion will open up conversation between the child and his/her parents about anxiety, while acting as a refresher for those who may have already been exposed to S-CAT®. To register, click here.

Activities To Do With Your Child During Quaran-times
2020-03-23 11:30 - 12:30 | Online Webinar
Free Online Parent Support Group, guided by Julia Gomes, MS, MA
We are all feeling the strains of this global pandemic. Anxiety is at an all time high now more than ever. Whether your kiddo is struggling with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, depression, or behavioral issues, or if Mom and Dad just need some good old-fashioned self-care, we are here for you (while maintaining our social distance). You are warmly invited you to our SMart Center Web Support Room! Bring a snack, drink your coffee, throw a movie on for the kids, pop in your AirPods, and join us for any or all of our free parent support groups!
You might be thinking, “how are we going to make progress when my kids aren’t in school and we are all quarantined?!” We are here to tell you that you can still achieve goals while practicing social distancing! Click here to view all of our Parent Support Groups – each varies by topic!

All are welcome, but space is limited, so registration is required. Click here to register for this support group and to view other dates/times of various topics. Please select the session(s) you wish to attend. Select as many or as little as you’d like!

February 2020 CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment and Parent Training Program
2020-02-14 18:30 - 2020-02-17 14:00 | Jenkintown, PA
CommuniCamp™ is a 3+ day Intensive Group Treatment and Parent Training Program to help children and teens ages 3-17 (at every level of communication e.g. shut-down and non-communicative, nonverbal, somewhat communicative, etc.) with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and extreme shyness speak in school and other social settings. Based on 20+ years of experience treating Selective Mutism using Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), the evidence-based treatment approach created by world-renowned Selective Mutism expert, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, we will help your child, tween, or teen build the social communication skills necessary for school, the real world, and at home.
The CommuniCamp™ Mission is two-fold: 1) treatment in small, peer-groups in a school for children and teens and 2) parent education, training, and support seminars:
Intensive Group Treatment:
Over the course of a three-day weekend (5 hours/day, 15 hours total), our professionally trained counselors, under the direction of our lead clinicians, work directly with two-to-three campers on social comfort and confidence to instill social confidence, increase communication, and facilitate learning of coping skills using S-CAT® based strategies using each camper’s individual baseline for social communication. Through these strategies and by removing the expectation for speech and respecting each camper’s baseline, our campers see and hear themselves communicating confidently in a peer-group school setting which translates to their school environment when they get home.
Parent Training, Education, and Support Seminars:
While campers undergo treatment, we simultaneously provide 15 hours of intensive parent education, training, and breakout support sessions so parents can immerse themselves in the world of Selective Mutism and learn strategies, ask questions, share stories, receive support, and feel confident implementing the goals, strategies, and interventions the entire family learned at CommuniCamp™, at home.
CommuniCamp™ has been rated as “excellent,” “life-changing,” and highly recommended by parents!
WHEN IS IT?

Friday, February 14, 2020: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM EST (Welcome & Orientation Get-Together)
Saturday, February 15, 2020: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST (Day One, Child and Parent Sessions)
Sunday, February 16, 2020: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST (Day Two, Child and Parent Sessions)
Monday, February 17, 2020: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM EST (Day Three, Child and Parent Sessions)

The SMart Center’s CommuniCamp™ Program is held multiple times over the course of the year. Click here to find out when!
WHO CAN APPLY? Children and teens (new and existing SMart Center patients) ages 3-17-years-old with Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, and/or Extreme Shyness (and their families!). Your loved one does not need an official diagnosis to attend.
WHERE IS IT? We rent a local school in the Greater Philadelphia Area (Click here for local, low-cost housing recommendations)
HOW TO REGISTER? WHAT’S THE PROCESS & FEES? The process for families to join CommuniCamp™ is simple as 1-2-3!

APPLY. Click here to complete the application so that Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum can perform a detailed review and assessment of the application to determine if applicant is eligible for group treatment prior to being involved in our Individualized Intensive Treatment Program. This is one of many unique aspects of CommuniCamp™. This is how we are able to accept new patients directly into group treatment! Our globally successful, evidence-based treatment approach, Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (SCAT®), is grounded in the understanding that Selective Mutism is more than just not speaking in social settings. Your loved one with Selective Mutism and/or Social Anxiety developed SM and remains “stuck” from one or more contributing factors. The application also allows to start to uncover the child’s/teen’s unique needs so that we can utilize the appropriate S-CAT® strategies with respect to his/her baseline. There is a $75 non-refundable application assessment fee. After a clinical assessment of your application, you will be notified of your status within 2-3 business days. Since established SMart Center patients have already completed the initial interviews and assessments, they are eligible to submit the application at no cost by using the coupon code: SMartPatient
MEET. After your application is thoroughly reviewed, you will be eligible for one of three meeting options (in-person or virtual, dependent on clinical assessment of application) with one of our clinicians to deepen our understanding of your child’s unique social communication needs so that we can determine ideal group placement and identify and plan for the proper treatment strategies to utilize during the CommuniCamp™ weekend. Since we use S-CAT® model in a peer-group and school setting, this step will help foster a comfortable, fun, and therapeutic weekend for all. There is a minimum fee of $300* for this step; however, based on clinical assessment of application, Dr. Shipon-Blum might recommend individualized treatment prior to attending the program. More detailed information and pricing will be sent upon application acceptance. After your meeting is completed and your CommuniCamp™ acceptance is confirmed, we will create your child’s unique experience. Before, during, and after camp, purposeful, specific strategies are used to help ease each child’s specific anxieties, which will foster social comfort in a school-like setting and hence, communication. *This step is waived for SMart Center families who’ve been seen within 6 months to 1 year. Upon acceptance of application, the meeting may or may not be necessary pending clinician determination.
ATTEND. Steps 1 and 2 unite with a Welcome & Orientation Get-Together (the evening prior to Day One of the program) where campers and parents will meet their counselors, fellow campers, and tour the facility. Therapeutic, S-CAT® strategies are incorporated into this pre-camp event so we recommend arriving to the Philadelphia area the afternoon before the Day One of the program. During CommuniCamp™ (after camper drop off), parents will meet each day with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and our clinical staff for educational and support sessions. Parents will receive hands-on training and learn proven, step-by-step treatment strategies with goal charts, opportunities to ask questions, as well as time to connect with other parents. Campers will have a detailed schedule each day (9AM – 2PM) that consists of fun games and activities to foster social comfort, confidence, and progression of communication in home, school, and real world settings. Campers work directly with their counselors and clinicians in their small groups or paired with buddies, as well as participate in pull-out sessions with our clinicians. The program includes charted games/goals, handouts, webinars, an individual follow-up call, and more to take home! There is an $1,800 fee associated with this step.

For more detailed information, click on the links below, visit www.CommuniCamp.org or email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org

our treatment method, S-CAT®

globally successful
backed by research (95% success rate)

email us for parent references
what to expect from CommuniCamp™
financial assistance
CommuniCamp™ Insurance Policy

CommuniCamp Intensive Group Treatment for Selective Mutism February 2019
2019-02-15 18:00 - 2019-02-18 14:00
CommuniCamp™ is a 3+ day intensive group treatment program to help children ages 3-15+ with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and extreme shyness. Based on 20+ years of experience treating Selective Mutism using Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), the evidence-based treatment approach created by world-renowned Selective Mutism expert, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, we will help your child, tween, or teen build the social communication skills necessary for school, the real world, and at home. CommuniCamp™ has dual missions:

Professionally trained counselors, under the direction of our lead clinicians, work directly with campers in a school-like setting on social comfort and confidence to facilitate learning and exposure using S-CAT® based social communication strategies.
We simultaneously provide intensive parent education, training, and breakout support sessions so you (the parents) can ask questions, share stories, receive support, and feel confident implementing the goals and strategies you and your child learned at camp as soon as you get home.

100% of parents rated CommuniCamp as “excellent” and 100% of the parents highly recommend it to others!
WHEN IS IT? Presidents’ Day Weekend: February 15-18, 2019 (click here to apply)
WHO CAN APPLY? New and established patients! Children and teens ages 3-15+ years-old with Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, and/or Extreme Shyness (and their families!)
Visit www.CommuniCamp.org to learn more and to apply! You can also email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org to ask more detailed questions!

Webinar Workshop: Selective Mutism Through the Ages: From Tots to Teens and Adults
2018-11-13 13:00 - 15:00
Live Webinar Workshop: Selective Mutism Through the Ages: From Tots to Teens and Adults

Date:
Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Time:
1:00 PM – 3:00 PM EST

Method:
Live Webinar (*Ability to access presentation following webinar for quick and easy reference)

Overview:
When evaluating an individual with Selective Mutism, it is important to consider chronological age, developmental level, co-occurring diagnoses, and stage of social communication (Shipon-Blum, 2002). These factors will dictate how treatment should be structured (Shipon-Blum, 2017). Utilizing case examples, Dr. Shipon-Blum will review specific treatment interventions for children ages three to five, ages six to nine, ages ten to thirteen, teenagers, and young adults and discusses how these interventions are best implemented at home, in school, and in public settings. Read more below.

Cost:
$100 (Early-bird special) $125 (after November 2nd)

Registration Link:
http://bit.ly/2Pal7RL

ASHA CEUs
Yes. See below for details.

NASP CPDs
Yes. See below for details.

Description:
When evaluating an individual with Selective Mutism, it is important to consider chronological age, developmental level, co-occurring diagnoses, and stage of social communication (Shipon-Blum, 2002). These factors will dictate how treatment should be structured (Shipon-Blum, 2017).
Registering for this webinar allows you to:

explore the unique treatment needs of children, teens, and young adults
learn how to best tailor the overall treatment plan and specific strategies and interventions to promote engagement and communication progress.
discover how individuals of different age ranges may present in treatment, with a specific focus on children ages three to five, ages six to nine, ages ten to thirteen, teenagers, and young adults.

Utilizing specific case examples, Dr. Shipon-Blum will review specific treatment interventions for these age ranges and discusses how these interventions are best implemented at home, in school, and in public settings.
Learning Objectives:

Identify generalities in how children and adolescents with SM present, and how they respond to treatment, based on their age.
Describe the roles that chronological age, developmental level, co-occurring diagnoses, and stage of social communication play in treatment planning.
Identify how to best tailor the overall treatment plan, and specific interventions, to promote engagement and communication progress based on age.
Describe typical social interactions and peer interactions for children with SM at different ages, as well as how children and teens with SM may present in school and in the community.

Can’t join the live event? Registration includes the webinar recording and supplemental handouts after the event for quick and easy reference.
About the Presenter:
Elisa Shipon-Blum, D.O., is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center (SMart Center) located in Jenkintown, PA, and she is the Director of the Selective Mutism Research Institute (SMRI), a foundation established to study Dr. Shipon-Blum’s theories and treatment methodologies on SM. She is the founder of CommuniCamp™, the intensive group treatment and family training program for children and teens with Selective Mutism. She is the Founder and Director Emeritus of the Selective Mutism Association (SMA). In addition, Dr. Shipon-Blum is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology and Family Medicine at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Shipon-Blum practices in Jenkintown, PA, and developed the evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®) from her years studying and researching individuals with SM. She consults worldwide with families, treating professionals, and educators, and she has helped over six thousand children from around the world overcome SM.
Financial Disclosure:
Dr. Shipon-Blum is the President and Director of the Selective Mutism, Anxiety and Related Disorders Treatment Center. She is a Director of the Selective Mutism Research Institute (SMRI). She is also a Clinical Assistant Professor of Family Medicine and Psychology at PCOM. She has written many books on Selective Mutism for which she receives royalties. Dr. Shipon-Blum sells and distributes books and materials associated with Selective Mutism through the Smart Center website.

Non-Financial Disclosure:
Dr. Shipon-Blum is the founder and Director Emeritus of the Selective Mutism Association (SMA).

This course is offered for 0.2 ASHA CEUs (Intermediate Level, Professional Area). This course will focus on an introduction to Selective Mutism and Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®). No other assessment or treatment methods will be discussed. This course provides 2 Professional Development Hours.
Program completion requirements: Participants in this program must meet the time requirements for webinar participation. Individuals who do not meet time requirements will not be recommended for ASHA CEUs. No partial credit will be provided.

The SMart Center is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer professional development for school psychologists. The SMart Center maintains responsibility for the program. This webinar offers two CPD credits.
For more information, contact:

Alexandra Talarico

Clinical Outreach Coordinator

CommuniCamp Director

p:
215-887-5748 x105

w:
e:
www.SelectiveMutismCenter.org
events@selectivemutismcenter.org

CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment Program
2018-10-05 18:00 - 2018-10-08 14:00
CommuniCamp™ is a 3+ day intensive group treatment program to help children ages 3-15+ with Selective Mutism, social anxiety, and extreme shyness. Based on 20+ years of experience treating Selective Mutism using Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), the evidence-based treatment approach created by world-renowned Selective Mutism expert, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, we will help your child, tween, or teen build the social communication skills necessary for school, the real world, and at home. CommuniCamp™ has dual missions:

Professionally trained counselors, under the direction of our lead clinicians, work directly with campers in a school-like setting on social comfort and confidence to facilitate learning and exposure using S-CAT® based social communication strategies.
We simultaneously provide intensive parent education, training, and breakout support sessions so you (the parents) can ask questions, share stories, receive support, and feel confident implementing the goals and strategies you and your child learned at camp as soon as you get home.

100% of parents rated CommuniCamp as “excellent” and 100% of the parents highly recommend it to others!
WHEN IS IT? Columbus Day Weekend: October 5-8th, 2018 (click here to apply for October)
WHO CAN APPLY? New and established patients! Children and teens ages 3-15+ years-old with Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, and/or Extreme Shyness (and their families!)
Visit www.CommuniCamp.org to learn more and to apply! You can also email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org to ask more detailed questions!

CommuniCamp™ Group Treatment
2018-08-18 - 2018-08-20

CommuniCamp Group Treatment
2018-07-27 - 2018-07-29 | Gratz College, 7605 Old York Rd, Elkins Park, PA, 19027, United States

Selective Mutism S-CAT® Summer Strategies 101
2018-05-09 15:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
Don’t let summer break translate to a break in building social communication skills! Join this webinar, hosted by Jennifer Brittingham, M.A., Lead Clinical Counselor at the SMart Center, and learn strategies based on Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®) to instill coping skills and maintain progression during the summer months.
Jennifer will teach you strategies and you will learn varies tips to help your child transition from school and throughout the summer. Examples include:

Tips to cope with the sudden change of routine which can cause a child anxiety.
Continue socialization and structured communication opportunities with peers and group activities.
Guide interaction with new peers, friends and relatives and managing expectations from others
DOs & DON’Ts for summer camp planning: should you send your child/teen to camp or an organized activity?
Manage expectations for speech during summer traveling, e.g. going on vacation (new & different environment).
SMart Tips for Visiting Public Pools, Beaches, and Water Parks

What Contributes to the Development of Selective Mutism?
2018-04-25 15:00 - 16:00 | Online Webinar
Parents, Educators, and Treating Professionals: Join the SMart Center’s Lead Clinical Counselor and Expert SM School Consultant, Jennifer Brittingham, M.A. live for this educational and strategic webinar!

Description:
Registering for this webinar allows you to explore two common contributors to Selective Mutism: Sensory Sensitivities and Language. Is your loved one overly sensitive, perceptive, reacts emotionally, and maybe a picky eater? Does your loved one:

Have difficulty retelling stories?
Have difficulty expressing themselves?
Say “I don’t know” often?
Become easily frustrated if not understood?

Learn how sensitivities and language can impact Selective Mutism and receive recommendations and suggestions on how to help your child or teen with SM.

2018 Anxiety and Depression Conference
2018-04-05 - 2018-04-08 | Washington Marriott Wardman Park Hotel, 2660 Woodley Road, Washington, DC, 20008, United States

Ask the Expert: Spring Break Planning Session
2018-03-28 16:00 - 17:00 | Online Webinar
This Ask the Expert Session will focus on preparing for Spring break and holiday planning. Learn strategies for how to handle family gatherings, social events, and time off from school. Submit your questions when you register and our Lead Support Counselor and Selective Mutism expert, Jennifer Brittingham, M.A, will discuss them live during the session! Receive relevant handouts to aid your strategy implementation after the event.

Technology: Friend or Foe?
2018-03-07 11:30 - 12:30
Join our Lead Support Clinician, Jennifer Brittingham, M.A. discuss strategies for leveraging various communication devices to overcoming SM!

There are numerous benefits and conveniences to our technological advances however, with these advantages also comes a pitfall. Learn how various technologies of today are impacting our children and teenagers with Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety and how to find a healthy balance. In a society where computers, smart phones, and tablets are in high demand, and social media, live streaming, online gaming, and instant online shopping are an integrated part of our daily routine, it seems that no matter the topic of interest or personal goal we might have, there is an APP for that! Many communication apps can help our children and teens with SM become more communicative with the ease of a button. For example, online gaming can provide a new, less anxiety provoking way to engage with peers when the face-to-face interaction is overwhelming. Additional examples and strategies will be discussed.

CommuniTEEN
2018-03-05 16:30 - 18:00 | SMart Center, 505 Old York Rd, Jenkintown, PA, 19046, United States
The SMart Center presents an 8-week group therapy program running from 4:30 PM EST – 6:00 PM EST on Mondays starting March 5th and ending April 23rd, 2018. Geared toward helping teens (ages 13-17) with Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, and Social Pragmatic Communication Disorder, the program is centered on the research-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment ® (S-CAT®) developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and led by our clinical psychologist, Dr. Irina Khrapatina, and graduate student trainee. The group uses structured lessons and activities to build social confidence and relationships, develop social communication skills, and acquire strategies for coping with social anxiety, with the goal of helping teens cross the bridge to social communication. The group is intentionally kept small to allow for more individualized attention and building comfort in social settings.

CommuniCamp™ Group Treatment
2018-02-17 - 2018-02-19 | Abington Friends School, 575 Washington Ln,, Jenkintown, PA, 19046, United States
