Meet Eva

Since Eva was 3 years old, she was completely mute in school and in social settings with family and friends. After searching for resources to help their daughter, Eva’s family discovered the SMart Center!

Eva’s family began with a one-day Intensive, followed by a school consultation, regular monthly follow-ups, and CommuniCamp™. Since beginning treatment, Eva is now fully verbal in school, actively participates in class, and talks with her friends during recess! Read more about how Eva overcame SM below!

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

3 years old.

Please briefly summarize where/when your child was mute/not mute.

Eva found herself mute within school where she pulled away from joining in group activities and didn’t want to do activities. In addition, Emma was mute in social settings which could be small gatherings with friend or family, larger family parties, at stores, and restaurants.

What brought you to seek treatment at the SMart Center?

We did our research throughout the early education within Montgomery County and could not find resources that would help support or treat selective mutism as the primary support. The one treatment facility that came up in our research was the SMart Center.

What SMart Center services did you use?

  • S-CAT® Individualized Intensive Treatment Program
  • CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program
  • Parent Training & Coaching
  • School Consultation
  • Treatment Professional Consultation
  • Follow-Ups
  • Podcast

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

Monthly.

What changes have you noticed?

First off, we as parents feel more prepared and have tools and strategies to help Eva as part of our daily lifestyle. Eva has changed significantly in the school setting. She has gone from not doing any activity to actively participating in class. She raises her hand, answers questions, engages with friends on the playground, and is at a pace with learning/education. Within social settings, Eva has been demonstrating confidence and no longer looks scared or like a “deer in headlights” when introduced to these settings.

What S-CAT® strategies helped the most?

For us, understanding the way in which we communicate with Eva has helped us significantly. Just the foundation elements/little things such as how to ask a question or leveraging our son or another kid first to reduce the pressure on Eva. We have been able to adapt our style more naturally so that it becomes just the way we speak.

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

Be open-minded. It’s a journey and you need to be patient as every kid moves at their own pace. The more exposure and practice, the more it becomes a habit with your lifestyle.