When Josiah was 3 years old, his family noticed that he had never spoken at preschool. Despite working with a local psychologist, his family was worried about how he would manage in a traditional school environment. Everything changed the summer before kindergarten, when they discovered the SMart Center.
Through intensive group treatment (CommuniCamp) and ongoing support, Josiah made incredible progress! Today, he’s fully verbal in every setting—at home, at school, and in the real world. He recently presented a project to his entire school, beaming with confidence! Read more about how Josiah 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.
Josiah never spoke during preschool. In kindergarten, after attending CommuniCamp™, he began to whisper at school to certain people.
Was your child in treatment for Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, or related disorders before finding the SMart Center?
Yes, Josiah had a psychologist here in Wilmington, NC.
What brought you to seek treatment at the SMart Center?
The summer before kindergarten, we were worried and desperate for what to do to help him. We found the Smart Center online and attended CommuniCamp™ in 2022.
What SMart Center services did you use?
- CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program
- Parent Training & Coaching
- School Consultation
- Treatment Professional Consultation
- Follow Ups
- Books
- Podcast
How often do/did you consult with the SMart Center?
After CommuniCamp™, we were on an as-needed basis.
What changes have you noticed?
One year ago, we decided to start medication. We heard Dr. E discuss it at CommuniCamp™ and decided it was worth it if it could help. Josiah is repeating 1st grade this year and is now on grade level. He is full volume in all settings!!! This week, he completed a project where he spoke over a microphone to the entire school. It has taken years of hard work, but we have gone from fearing he may never be able to lead an independent life to knowing he can become whoever he wants to be.
What S-CAT® strategies helped the most?
The Social Communication Bridge®! I’ve been teaching this to everyone in his life. After CommuniCamp™, we had several follow-ups with the SMart Center. Since we live so far away, we used them to consult with Josiah’s providers, teachers, and staff.
Do you have any “key” advice for parents going through it now?
Don’t give up! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other. You are not alone. Keep advocating for your child and be open and flexible to what might be best for your child. You can’t do this alone; you need a team to help you.
