Meet Leo
Since Leo was 4 years old, he always struggled speaking with adults. After meeting with a speech pathologist and learning about Selective Mutism, Leo’s family tried local treatment options without making progress. That’s when they discovered the SMart Center!
Through intensive group treatment (CommuniCamp) and monthly follow-ups, Leo’s confidence has skyrocketed and now has expanded his friend group and is comfortable speaking with his teacher and extended family. Read more about how Leo overcame SM below!
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How old was your child when you first noticed he/she was mute in select settings?
4 years old.
Please briefly summarize where/when your child was mute/not mute.
We noticed Leo was very shy around adults, but we didn’t really think that much of it because our older son was also very shy. However, once we took him to a speech pathologist and she was unable to get him to speak to her, she mentioned that he may have SM. After that we began doing our research and he checked all the boxes.
Was your child in treatment for Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, or related disorders before finding the SMart Center?
Yes, a local therapist in Bethesda, MD.
What brought you to seek treatment at the SMart Center?
We spent over 4 years with two different therapists in the DC area and we weren’t really making any real progress. I started to do more research outside of the DC area. I found Dr. E and booked Communicamp for the Summer of 2023. We started treatment with Dr. E in November of 2023, and Leo started to show progress within the first session.
What SMart Center services did you use?
- S-CAT® Individualized Intensive Treatment Program (One- or Two-Day)
- CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program
- Follow Ups
- Medication Consultation
- Unspoken Words: A Selective Mutism Podcast
How often do/did you consult with the SMart Center?
1x month in person for 1 year and now maybe every other month or so.
What changes have you noticed?
Leo changed so much from his first CommuniCamp™ in 2023 to the camp in 2024. He broadened his circle of talking friends from 3 to 11. He now speaks to his teacher. He speaks to close adult family friends and relatives. He is more confident in everything he does.
What S-CAT® strategies helped the most?
Crossing the Bridge®! Leo works will with goals and incentives. He also thrives on structure and the visual of having the bridge to cross was a great motivator.
Do you have any “key” advice for parents going through it now?
The entire process. Trust the process!! It works! Find the right approach and method that works for your child and do it again and again. Stick with it and they will trust it and understand that it works for them.
