From Selectively Mute to Shining Star!
Selective Mutism didn’t stop 8-year-old Rachel from pursuing her dreams. Rachel overcame Selective Mutism with a team approach using our evidence-based philosophy, S-CAT®.
Today, Rachel is a shining star on TV, commercials & in the news. She also toured the country for a Broadway musical and has performed at Carnegie Hall & New York Fashion Week.
Rachel says: “I found my voice and YOU can too!” @rachelingordon
SMart Center Success Stories
Are you a former patient of the SMart Center and would like to share your story? Submit our questionnaire!
Alex was 3 years old when her mom first noticed her child was mute in almost all social situations. After some research, Alex’s mom discovered the SMart Center. According to Alex, the SMart Center “seemed like the only treatment center that offered any concrete hope and explanation for what I was experiencing.” Leveraging the Center’s Individual Treatment and Assessments, Alex was able to gradually build comfort in social settings. Today, Alex is a college grad who, in her own words, is “more outgoing than both (of her) parents.”
Read more about Alex’s SM journey below!
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How old were you when you first noticed you were mute in select settings? 3 years old
Please briefly summarize which settings you were mute in. I was mute in almost all settings besides at home and with people I felt comfortable (my immediate family and very few friends). For example, I would speak freely in an unfamiliar environment if I was with someone very familiar, but I would become mute as soon as anyone else entered the space.
Were you in treatment for Selective Mutism, Social Anxiety, or related disorders before you found the SMart Center? No.
What brought you to seek treatment at the SMart Center? What makes S-CAT® treatment different from other methods you may have tried before finding the SMart Center, if any? After extensive research, my mom finally found out what selective mutism is through discovering the SMart Center. It seemed like the only treatment center that offered any concrete hope and explanation for what I was experiencing.
Which SMart Center services did you use?
- Treatment Professional Consultation
- Assessments
- Books
- Webinars
How often do/did you consult with the SMart Center? Once when I was in second grade, and now I consult with them all the time 😊
What changes have you noticed? Please describe your overall progress, including functioning in school, at home, with friends and teachers, and any changes you have seen since starting treatment. I was able to gradually build comfort in settings where I used to feel very uncomfortable, such as the classroom. I was able to slowly make more friends in a one-on-one setting outside the classroom, allowing me to increase comfort levels when I went back into the classroom.
Which S-CAT® strategies helped the most? Comfort proceeds communication. Building comfort in my environment was a huge factor in eventually allowing me to communicate in that environment.
Do you have any “key” advice for anyone battling Selective Mutism now? Be patient, understand what you need, and – parents -- love your children for who they are!
How are you feeling now? I feel great! I am confident in my communication skills and I am now more outgoing than both of my parents 🙂
Following a car accident when Nicholas was 2 years old, his family noticed that he was exceptionally shy and reserved. Nicholas would avoid eye contact, turn away, or physically hide from social interactions.
I would shut down in basically all social settings when I was younger,” Nicholas remembers. “Even in situations where I was more comfortable, I always felt a lump in my throat that kept me from verbalizing. It was frustrating and confusing, to live my life feeling trapped in my own body.
Nicholas only spoke to his immediate family, some extended family, and a handful of friends from the neighborhood and school. He also was able to speak in front of some people, but not directly to them. Nicholas tried several therapies when he was in elementary school, but none seemed to correct his mutism.
All throughout his school years, Nicholas used nonverbal crutches to avoid talking in the classroom. It was never a major problem, but Nicholas struggled internally in finding his identity.
I felt like I was handicapped by my SM, always needing a friend to talk for me. I wanted to just scream and let it all out. Countless times, I had thoughts of ‘Why me?’ I had so much to offer the world. So why did I, a good, funny, smart kid, have to be burdened with this fear of talking? What did I do to deserve any of this?
At the age of 16 in 2021, Nicholas and his parents traveled from North Carolina to attend the SMart Center’s October session of CommuniCamp. Nicholas found the camp extremely engaging and helpful in giving him tools and resources to combat social anxiety. He is especially grateful for his two camp leaders, Maria and David, as well as Jenna Blum, who saw the potential Nicholas had to overcome SM and pushed him to expand outside his comfort zone. CommuniCamp laid the foundation for the immeasurable progress Nicholas has made since!
At age 17, Nicholas now comfortably talks to strangers, such as store employees, waiters and waitresses, and new people he meets in public. His family went on a vacation to San Francisco in the Summer of 2022, and Nicholas was confidently fully verbal during the entire trip! Nicholas also has a job at a local small business, where he speaks to all of his coworkers. He continues to work on adding more of his friends from church, school, and the neighborhood into the circle of people he is verbal with. “My advice to anyone who is struggling with SM is to know that you are NOT alone,” Nicholas affirms.
So many other people are going through similar challenges as you right now; personally, that realization dramatically helped me escape the thought process that I was the only one who couldn’t speak. And, believe it or not, there are countless individuals who used to have Selective Mutism but have overcome it! Although the exact process looks different for everyone living with SM, I encourage you to find peace in knowing that there is hope. You may not see it now, but there are brighter days ahead.
Applying for colleges, Nicholas decided to write his application essay on his journey with SM. Below is an excerpt from his essay:
I can handle it.” A sticky note with these words sits front and center in my study room to remind me daily that I am capable of more than I know. For almost 15 years, I have lived with an anxiety disorder known as Selective Mutism (SM), which causes me not to speak in most social situations. Some people may consider SM to be part of who I am; however, I see it as merely another roadblock to finding my identity. Since the start of my junior year of high school, I have overcome much of my SM by intentionally seeking out opportunities where I am uncomfortable communicating and pushing through the discomfort. …
Living with SM has been an immense struggle for as long as I can remember because I only verbalize with a handful of people, including my immediate family, some extended family, and a few friends. At school and elsewhere, I have used nonverbal methods to communicate with my classmates, teachers, and strangers. While it has not been troublesome to use a whiteboard or the “Notes” app on my phone to share my thoughts, I have long felt somewhat left out or judged in social settings. I have wondered countless times how others perceive me—do they think I’m weird or unintelligent?—or how my life might be different if I did not have SM—would I be more popular? Would my family have more money? Would I be a completely different person? …
In October 2021, I attended a 3-day event in Philadelphia called CommuniCamp, hosted by the Selective Mutism (SMart) Center, where I received intensive SM-focused therapy and was able to experience being around other teens like me. I had never been to such a camp, and it truly opened my eyes to the fact that there are people who have been in my position before and overcome SM. I was further motivated to work towards overcoming SM when the founder and director of the SMart Center [Dr. E] personally congratulated me and called me a “rockstar” following the camp’s closing ceremony. Her positive comments to my family and me were instrumental in the next steps I took to share my voice. From that moment on, I understood that overcoming SM would not be for anybody else but me. All that mattered was how I would tune out any outside noise to fight this battle.
Shortly after CommuniCamp, I began working with a local therapist who specializes in treating SM. Since meeting with her, I have progressed significantly in speaking to others. I used to be held back by intrusive, anxious thoughts, but for the past year, I have focused on flipping those thoughts to positively build myself up. Now, my anxiety in social scenarios is a fraction of what it used to be. I am more prepared to face the unknown through my communication skills.
Joshua’s Gradual and Manageable Steps—Inspired by SMart Center Strategies—Led Him to Overcome Selective Mutism!
When Joshua* was around three or four years old, his family noticed he was mute everywhere besides with family members and several close family friends. This included on the phone, at school, while shopping, at friends’ houses, etc.
Joshua recalls his experience, “I didn’t like talking to people I didn’t know because I was afraid of unfamiliar situations. I didn’t know what would happen if I talked to someone, so I avoided it. I felt alone in many situations because I felt disconnected from others—I wanted to be able to talk to people, but I didn’t know how.”
When searching for help, his mother found it difficult to get an assessment of the issue and the source of the problem. “Joshua went to two sensory integration therapists, a speech language pathologist and a cognitive behavioral psychologist. Finally, once we determined it was most likely selective mutism, based on our own research, Joshua still wasn’t getting the treatment he needed. The psychologist he was seeing wasn’t trained in selective mutism and was basically approaching the issue as social anxiety and didn’t know how to treat the specific issues Joshua was facing. Joshua was being given steps to take out in the world but they weren’t doable steps for him, he wasn’t making much progress and was frustrated that there didn’t seem to be a solution that could help him. I decided to look into taking him for treatment further from home and, through research online, found the SMart Center. The SMart Center was different because, firstly, understanding the [individualized] issues someone with Selective Mutism faces, they could give Joshua suggestions and steps he was able to take immediately to start to improve. I think that another large factor for Joshua was finally finding people who understood what he was experiencing and told him there was a clear path to improvement. I always felt that was inspiring for him. Just knowing something can be done can be a big factor in someone believing and achieving it.”
When Joshua was about 16 years old, he and his family traveled to the SMart Center from Southern U.S. for a Two-Day Individualized Intensive Treatment Program and met with his SMart Center clinician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, for follow-up consultations via web-conferencing a few times per year.
Today Joshua is 18 and reports “I’m now able to talk comfortably to people I don’t know, from store employees to teachers to other students. I’ve been able to more easily make friends and act for myself when out and about. I’m so much more comfortable in everyday life knowing that I am capable of talking to anyone, and I feel so much more connected to the world. Having the confidence to talk freely to people has made me more comfortable going into new situations, even ones where the main objective is not to talk to someone. I’m still working on making friends and being totally comfortable speaking up in group settings, but all in all, the SMart Center has helped me become much more confident and happy!”
In his own words, the S-CAT® strategies that helped Joshua the most were:
- “Gradual and manageable steps (ex. I used small steps regarding talking in stores, restaurants, etc. to get better at talking in general: planning what to say to cashier, preparing answers to possible questions in advance, mom got clerk’s attention and directed to me so I could ask a question)
- Having a list of doable actions to take in stores, restaurants, etc. gave me confidence to take on interactions by myself, which inspired me to do more
- Keeping a list of goals met and assigning point values earned, especially for steps taken at school
- Taking on leadership positions at school and in community gave me an excuse to talk to people and a subject to talk about with them
- Repeated practice in unfamiliar situations helped me become more comfortable approaching other unfamiliar situations with confidence”
*Names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
At three-years-old, Guliana was mute in all social settings but is now fully verbal everywhere! How? She and her parents began treatment through our One-Day Individualized Intensive Program then enrolled in our CommuniCamp™, and had three follow up consultations (1x per month). Watch this video of her speaking in front of her entire class! Go, G, GO! (Wait for it…. listen for who she wants to be when she grows up!)
Guliana and her mom often return to CommuniCamp™ to meet with and speak to families about their experiences. Guliana visits her peers to show them that they are not alone and that they too can overcome SM like she did! Her mama speaks during the parent sessions to give advice and hope to our families. Thank you, Mom, and Guliana for being an incredible light for us and our SMart Center Families!
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Guliana’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
Rhett was 3 years old when his family first started to notice several differences between their son and other children his age. When Rhett was at home with his family, he was “bright and full of life,” according to his parents. He got nervous in large crowds, but they assumed that was normal for kids his age.
“After 2 years of preschool, a teacher asked us if Rhett knew how to talk. We were shocked! Of course he could talk! He was never quiet! We tried countless therapists, testing, play-dates… the list goes on. Nothing and nobody was helping. Several [therapists] could get him to speak in a 1:1 setting but then the help stopped. We were even turned away from the last therapist who was ‘experienced in Selective Mutism’ because she thought he needed more help than she was able to give. What now? That’s when I started meeting with and talking to other moms with children with SM and wanted to get some answers and some REAL help.”
When Rhett was 4 years old, he and his family traveled from the Southern U.S. to Philadelphia, PA for the SMart Center’s Individualized Intensive S-CAT® Program and CommuniCamp™. Following these services (with the addition of one Follow-Up and one School Consultation via web-conferencing), Mom reports that “The SMart Center gave us TOOLS and steps and goals. All new information. We finally had a game plan and the supporting knowledge to actually help our son. The changes were immediate and continued to shine through with more practice.”
When asked what changes they have noticed since starting S-CAT®, Rhett’s parents said “Wow, where do we even start!? Our son is now verbal in ALL settings! He talks at school, he has made friends, he participated in a Halloween parade IN COSTUME, he plays sports! Our friends and family have commented on how amazing his transformation has been. He speaks to family members now which is incredible. Seeing him go to a birthday party and participate was a tearful moment for us. It was the first time in 5 years we had seen him enjoy a group environment. I could go on for days…”
What S-CAT® strategies helped Rhett the most?
“Practicing our strategies daily and incorporating them into our daily interactions was a huge part of our success. Facilitating his interactions with others outside of the home including Handover™/Takeover™ to build confidence in eye contact, assisting in bridging him up during conversation, getting his teachers on board with a consult. It was all so so so helpful. Life changing.”
What is Rhett’s Mom’s KEY advice to other SM Families?
“It is hard, and it takes a lot of effort, but it pays off! Every bit of it pays off. To see your child finally thriving is the most amazing gift. The sooner you can do it, go for it! Absolutely priceless.”
What does Rhett say about how he is feeling now?
“He is no longer scared of his friends and that he is brave and isn’t scared of anything—even snakes!”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Rhett’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
When Liam was 3-years-old, his parents noticed he was mute at daycare and every setting than home with family. At age 10, Liam, along with his family, traveled from Alaska to the SMart Center in the Greater Philadelphia Area for a 2-day S-CAT® Individualized Intensive Program and CommuniCamp™.
Afterwards, Liam’s Mom met with his school staff three times, and a plan was implemented based on information provided by Liam’s in-depth assessments at the SMart Center. Liam’s Mom reports that “The school staff has been amazingly responsive in supporting Liam through this process.” With the changes, his teachers say he is participating in class and interacting with his peers!
What S-CAT® strategies worked best for Liam?
- Choice Questions
- Frontline
- Practicing and planning before social encounters
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Liam’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
At a young age, Micah’s family noticed that he was mute with all adults except for his parents and grandparents. Micah’s family expresses that “he could hardly make eye contact with adults, especially his preschool teachers who he knew since he was 2 ½ years old. They noticed that Micah was always comfortable around kids but did not express that same comfort with adults.
Micah’s family decided to pursue treatment at the Smart Center via the CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program in February 2019. After attending camp, Micah’s family could not believe the progress he had made! Micah’s family explains that
in about a month after camp, he started talking to his preschool teachers and they could not believe it. He would take in his favorite watch to show-off and other toys and started to talk about them to his teacher. At home we practiced with him to tell his teacher about out fun trip to New York City, and he did it! Once school ended, we religiously did our homework [that the SMart Center gave us at CommuniCamp™] like scavenger hunts, hand over/ take over, waving bye/hi, ordering food, etc. We had play dates every week during the summer and involved him in various sports (soccer, basketball, swimming) to keep his social interaction going and in hopes that he would not regress. Last month, he started Kindergarten and he has been doing AMAZING! He answers his teachers, raises his hand, advocates for himself if he needs anything, and initiates conversations with some of our close friends who visit often.”
Micah’s family expresses that the S-CAT® strategies that helped the most were:
- Scavenger hunts
- Ordering at restaurants
- HO/TO
- “he basically stands in front of me anywhere we go and I try to make him my voice”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Micah’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
Gianna was a confident and social child up until she started school when she was three years old. Gianna’s mom recalls that in the school setting, she was completely mute. “When she would leave school, she was herself again.”
Gianna began treatment at the SMart Center when a social worker recommended the SMart Center. Her family was not seeing much progress through her local therapist, so they traveled to CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program. “Since the first day of [CommuniCamp™], Gianna has been doing things she had not done since she started school a year ago. She talked to her counselors and the other students in her class at camp with no problem on the first day. She was clearly comfortable there and instantly became a leader in the class. The weekend at camp was amazing for us as a family,” Mom stated.
After Gianna and her family spent a weekend at the CommuniCamp™, Gianna’s family expresses that she has made great progress. “After [CommuniCamp™], Gianna talked to adults she didn’t know, ordered food at restaurants, asked for directions – things she had never done before.”
Once school started at age four, Gianna’s family followed the recommendations they learned during the Parent Education Sessions at CommuniCamp™, making sure to update her school’s support team on the S-CAT® strategies they learned.
Gianna’s mom’s KEY advice to families is “It is very important that the school team is on board with the same strategies that are being worked on at home. It is our responsibility as parents to advocate for our children and educate all adults interacting with our child on what our child needs to be successful. For us, this took a lot of education relating to selective mutism for our family and an amazing school support team that is on board with implementing the S-CAT strategies along with us.” At school, just one month after attending CommuniCamp™, Gianna now talks to her teacher, assistant teacher, and all peers in her class since day one of this year! She is more confident in all social situations and thriving socially and emotionally.
Listed below are some S-CAT ® strategies that helped Gianna the most:
- Choice questions
- The Bridge visual
- Rating her fear emotions
Gianna has expressed to her family that she “learned to be brave at camp this summer” and she “doesn’t need her brave chart anymore because she feels comfortable talking.” Gianna also says, “I just needed to take my time.”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Gianna’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
At around age 2 to 3-years-old, Tessa’s parents noticed that she was always mute in public settings, with people she was unfamiliar with, and she would only speak to immediate family members.
Tessa and her family kick-started treatment via the S-CAT ® Individualized Treatment Program at the SMart Center. Since treatment, Tessa’s family expresses that they have seen “major changes!” They say that “Tessa started to open up as she was beginning her transition to kindergarten, and once getting into her kindergarten setting, we have since seen such amazing changes! She has spoken to teachers, classmates, and therapists. We have had many play dates and she will talk to most of her friends that she interacts with regularly. She has even started speaking at family events if they are at our house in front of cousins and other close relatives. Last week was the first time some have ever heard her voice!”
Tessa’s family explains that “consistency is key” when it comes to the S-CAT® strategies. “Bringing her to familiar places and seeing familiar faces of employees has been helpful. Same with play dates. Seeing the same friends until you can branch out to include a couple others is a great strategy as well. Slow change is helpful. It’s extremely important for those who interact with your child know what to do and not to do.”
Some key advice that Tessa’s family offered for other parents going through it now: “Day-by-day is the most important thing to focus on. Some days are better than other, regression does happen and it can be heartbreaking, but there is always a better day around the corner. You are your child’s best advocate. Do not be afraid to stand up and demand what you think is best, because after all, you do know best! Educate those around you. Most will have no idea what SM is. Make sure they follow your example and same with schools because your child will be spending a lot of time in that setting. Get everyone on the same page! Let them know what you expect the best from them!”
According to her parents, treatment at the SMart Center has helped Tessa immensely, and she now expresses to her parents that “her voice is no longer “stuck” in her throat!”
If you or someone you know if considering treatment at the SMart Center and would like to speak with Tessa’s family about their experience, please email smartcenter@selectivemutismcenter.org so that we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
“The ambiance and atmosphere at the SMart Center is fabulous and the compassion they have for these kids struggling with SM is unbelievable… we can officially say our Jaeda is non-stop talking and tattle-tailing on her sisters. It’s a huge relief to hear her and see her in her comfort zone talking away. We can’t thank the SMart Center in helping us through this process. We have had a few parents from around the U.S. call us to give them feedback and we have nothing but great things to say. YES, it does work! Lots of patience, and consistency is key. She definitely is our Shining Star!”
– Jaeda’s mom, Aimee (CommuniCamper and member of our SMart Center Family)
If you’d like to speak to Jaeda’s mom about their experience with the SMart Center’s Treatment Program, send an email to CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org and we’ll be happy to share her contact information. She, among many of our family members, has offered to be a reference for our center.
From Selective Mutism to Social Butterfly: Jaeda’s Journey (updated) Written by Aimee, Jaeda’s Mom…
“Our daughter, Jaeda, had not been verbal from the time she was in preschool with any adults, including her own parents. She was only verbal with her two sisters, Ciara and Luna. Initially, we started speech therapy with a therapist who had no knowledge of Selective Mutism (SM). Jaeda went to regular speech therapy on a weekly basis, but the treatment wasn’t very effective, and she continued to be non-verbal.
We were desperate to find help for our child and searched, the internet until we found the SMart Center. It was then, at the age of six, that Jaeda was diagnosed with Selective Mutism (SM). As parents, we had not heard of SM. We did not know what it was.
We began [treatment with the SMart Center through] CommuniCamp™ and progressed to individual intensive therapy with Dr. E, which included follow-ups via [web-conference] and with her schoolteachers. Jaeda continued treatment for a few months with Dr. E until December 2018, which was her last time going to the SMart Center.
Because Jaeda was non-verbal from preschool until second grade, we were concerned for her as the new school year approached. On the first day of third grade, [her teacher], Mrs. Alameda, told us not to worry -- she will become verbal. We were skeptical. By the third day of school, Jaeda was verbal with her new teacher and friends. We were so relieved when her third-grade teacher told us she was speaking aloud with her and the other students. It was one of the most amazing days ever!
We found the ambiance and atmosphere at the SMart Center fabulous. The compassion and support they show for children struggling with Selective Mutism is unbelievable. We can officially say our Jaeda is finally talking non-stop, even tattle tailing on her sisters. It’s a huge relief to finally hear her voice and see her talking comfortably. We would like to thank the SMart Center for helping us through this process.
As of now, Jaeda is a social butterfly. She speaks freely with all her friends and family, and doesn’t hesitate speaking with new people she meets. She can order her own meals at restaurants. She can talk on the phone with friends; she even still talks to one of her friends from the first CommuniCamp™ she attended at the SMart Center.
She continues going to Girl Scouts and is now in her school band. We are so very thankful for the SMart Center family; we will forever be grateful for all of the help they have given us. The SMart Center is the place where parents like us can feel at home and find comfort and peace with children like Jaeda. SMart Center will always have a piece of our hearts. Jaeda’s journey is a success story. We are definitely proud of our Shining Star!
Several parents from around the U.S. have called us asking about our experiences with the SMart Center. We let them know -- there is hope out there. We have nothing but great things to say. YES, it does work! Lots of patience and consistency are the keys to a positive outcome.”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Jaeda’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
When Mazie was three years old she was mute everywhere except for in her home. Mazie’s mom explains that whenever company was over at the house or if Mazie was in the presence of anyone other than her immediate family, she was mute. Initially her family sought treatment that was geared towards more generalized social anxiety, not addressing the very specific diagnosis of Selective Mutism.
After seeking treatment at the SMart Center, through our Individualized Intensive Program, CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program, and Follow-Up Consultations, Mazie’s mom explains that Mazie is a “completely different person than she was a year ago! She is fully verbal in all settings now, whether they are new to her or not or whether she has met the people before or not. She is also happier and more confident at home too, so even her home behavior where she was not mute, has changed for the better significantly.”
What does Mazie have to say now that she has crossed the bridge? “Talking isn’t as scary as it was before.”
Mazie’s mom explains that the first major S-CAT® strategy she implemented was taking the pressure off Mazie to speak. Following treatment, Mazie’s mom explains that the S-CAT® strategies that helped with Mazie’s progress were the Scavenger Hunt, Big 5, and conducting interviews with family members. She explains that it was “really the basics and the accountability of keeping track of the time Mazie did these various strategies.”
For parents going through it now, Mazie’s mom suggests:
“Don’t give up and do the work at home that [your SMart Center clinician] tells you to do. You must implement the tools and tactics as time-consuming as that can be it really does work in the end! I really thought nothing was working and it was getting tiring and frustrating and things started clicking and once they started clicking, they improved so much and so quickly. Be very patient with yourself, not just your child.”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Mazie’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like our Individualized Intensive Treatment Program and CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
“My parents first noticed that I was struggling from Selective Mutism when I was about three-years-old and would socially “shut down” during preschool and Sunday School. I could not speak or communicate in any way with anyone outside of my immediate family.
My younger self described it as a “dragon inside of my brain, and I wished that “either a wizard would make it go away or that it would die.” I wanted to talk so badly, but I physically could not.
My parents found Dr. E when I was four. I remember treatment because it was the first time that someone else truly understood what I was going through. Dr. E introduced me to her Ritual Sound Approach® (RSA®), which I went through with all of my teachers and preschool classmates. By the end of preschool, I had truly conquered SM and even sang with my peers in a springtime performance.
My advice to families currently affected by Selective Mutism would be to believe that they can indeed conquer this. Keep pushing. Treatment can be time-consuming, but it is SO worth it. Currently, I am living a very full life. I have so many amazing friends, and I’m involved in several school activities. I am passionate about the performing arts, and right now I am planning on majoring in music education. If my parents had not pursued full treatment, I would never have had the opportunity to discover my passion for music, and I would never have gotten to know so many of the wonderful people in my life. So have faith. Carry out treatment all the way. There is SO much hope! Never give up, because the end result will be so rewarding.”
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
At age 4, Mia was mute at school and with any person other than her mom, dad, and brother. Mia’s family turned to the SMart Center when they felt that Mia was not receiving the treatment she needed. Mia’s mom explains that Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s S-CAT® treatment approach offered at the SMart Center “is different because it assesses the child’s feelings when something is hard for them. It also allows them to use other strategies to communicate in their comfort zone while pushing them a little at a time. The Social Communication Bridge® also gives a wonderful visual on how your child communicates.”
After attending the CommuniCamp ™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program, Mia’s mom reports that Mia has made tremendous progress. Mia’s mom explains that “Mia’s grandma attended CommuniCamp ™ with us and Mia started talking to her before we left Pennsylvania!” After attending CommuniCamp ™, “Mia speaks to her mom’s family, she is participating in school by raising her hand, dances to songs, and points when her teacher asks a question. She has also recently ordered her food at a restaurant using a Verbal Intermediary®!” Mia’s mom explains that after attending CommuniCamp ™, “Mia is happier and more confident!”
In regard to the S-CAT ® strategies introduced to Mia and her family at CommuniCamp™, Mia’s mom explains that “Mia loved using her Feelings Chart and making sounds to represent words. This really helped her begin to talk when she was stuck!”
Mia’s mom has advice for families seeking treatment via SMart Center services: “The key advice I would give is get your school and family involved. Use these people to help implement the strategies learned. Also, we have stopped using the word ‘talk’ and this has made a huge difference.”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Mia’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
NO TURNING BACK: CHLOE’S STORY
The weight is great. The feeling of expectation from all to talk like everyone else. The pressure debilitating. Unable to speak. The fear of letting down those around me is always on the forefront of my thoughts. Aware, very aware, that there is something very different in the way I communicate with others besides my family. It’s like being on a stage with hundreds of people staring at you. The fright immense. Pressure builds. I want to speak so badly, but I can’t. How will I ever? I just can’t. Why? Why am I so different? Tears flow because once again I know that I have let everyone down. I’m a failure. People ask me why I won’t speak? I reply with a hollow glare. I want to tell them I’m sorry, that inside I’m just like them. I want to scream “I have words, I have words!” Instead, I just look at them. They look at me and walk away. Will I ever? No, it’s too hard.
My mom & dad explained to me that I am smart and beautiful and that I can do anything through Christ that gives me strength. They explained that sometimes we need to get help in order to get over obstacles in our lives and that I shouldn’t be ashamed.
My mom & dad had found a camp in Philadelphia that helps kids like me that can’t get their words out. It’s called CommuniCamp. When they first told me about it, I was scared. I didn’t want to disappoint anyone else in failing to talk. They told me everyday that I could do this! I began to become excited about it. I guess it was because I knew that there would be other kids at this camp just like me. My mom told me that we would learn some different ways to help me communicate with others. I was ready. I didn’t want to be in isolation anymore. I didn’t want to feel locked up in my own my own head. I wanted to break free. I really did want to talk. I just didn’t know how.
The day came for camp. I was nervous, but excited all at the same time. I was very nervous to walk through the doors at the Smart Center, but I did it and I saw so many kids there. We didn’t speak to each other at first. We would just occasionally stare at each other. However, there was a connection instantly. We knew that the other knew what we each were going through. We understood each other. There were no questions like “why don’t you speak?” We understood each other. The counselors were all so nice. They talked to us normally. They respected each of us. I felt normal. That was not a feeling I usually felt. The counselors and Dr. E played some games with us and spoke to us about our feelings. I knew they really cared. Before I knew it, I was talking to some of the other girls. Instant friendship. Instant bonding. I entered another arena that I had never walked in before, I began to whisper to the counselors too. I answered questions quietly, but I did it with my voice and not a blank stare. What was happening? Why did I feel so comfortable here? Wait a minute…I feel comfortable and I am beginning to speak to these people. There must be something to this place, to these people? I loved camp.
My mom & dad helped me to do the things I learned at camp. We began to do these things everyday at home, at restaurant’s, at stores. I just came to realize that we would be doing these things until I was once again comfortable enough in one of those places to use my voice. I knew school was going to start soon. The thought of speaking to my teachers was very scary. But, my mom & dad said they were going to help me through it. My mom told me that we would meet with each person at school and play our little game we made up so that I could cross over the bridge one by one with everyone there. And I did. I crossed over the bridge into verbal with every teacher, every student and even with my principals. I am ordering my own food now. I have crossed over the bridge with family friends that I have never spoken to before.
I don’t ask Why anymore, because I know why. We all have a story and things we struggle with. Mine just so happened to be getting my words out. I want to help others know that they are not alone and they don’t need to stay stuck and feel like they are isolated from everyone else. They can do it just like I did!
The rest is history. I have crossed over that bridge that once felt impossible to get across. It took people believing in me, like my family and Dr. E and her staff. Getting your feet to move across the bridge is the hardest part. But once you are moving, you don’t want to stop until you are to the other side. I didn’t believe the day would come that I could say “I’m not scared to talk any more!” But, that day has come. I overcame Selective Mutism!
-Chloe Carney & Sara Carney
Chloe and her family attended The SMart Center’s CommuniCamp™ intensive group treatment program in the summer of 2017. Click here to learn more about the program and apply today!
No Turning Back: An Update, Two Years Later
Remember Chloe’s Story? 9-year-old Chloe and her family attended The SMart Center’s CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program in the Spring and Summer of 2017. Chloe overcame Selective Mutism by way of CommuniCamp™ and was so inspired she decided to write a story about her journey to share her experience with other SM families who are searching for hope to overcome.
In honor of Selective Mutism Awareness month (and Chloe’s birthday—she is now 12-years-old!), we wanted to highlight this Shining Star. Chloe’s mom provided us with an update on how things have been going since attending CommuniCamp™ two years ago! Mom reports, “Chloe is doing phenomenal. She just entered the 6th grade and gone are the days that I have to prep and teach the teachers about Selective Mutism. Her confidence has sky rocketed and she holds her own communicating with others now. She even has joined a small group at our church which is all based on talking. She also just joined the morning show at school where she will at times be featured talking on camera to her peers. She still deals with some anxiety from time to time but she has learned…we have all learned…how to deal and cope with that. We are so thankful for what you all do. You all truly are a blessing from God and make a life long impact on these children.”
Through this experience, Chloe has learned that she loves helping other children. Chloe and her family sometimes travel back to CommuniCamp™ to help mentor families and give them hope that they can share a similar experience and overcome SM!
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Chloe’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
Thalia and her husband noticed their son, Zane, had Selective Mutism when he stopped talking to everyone (except his parents) at 18-months-old. He was mute in all settings.
“We tried to find help in our area, but no one was specialized in [treating] selective mutism. After almost two years of Zane being mute, at 4-years-old, I was desperate and googling for help and found the SMart Center. We went to CommuniCamp™ and within 3 days, he started whispering,” Thalia said.
The SMart Center views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Zane’s parents learned this at CommuniCamp™ and discovered that Zane’s “anxiety, mutism, eating disorders, and behavior were all connected. It just made sense and for once in my life I had hope.”
After kick-starting treatment in person at the CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment and Parent Training Program, and with Individualized Follow-Up Consultation via web-conference approx. once every three months, Thalia reports, “today my son is going to kindergarten and is flourishing in school, he is happy and doesn’t stop talking. It’s been amazing and I can’t thank the SMart Center enough for helping my family and son, with our continued help and [individualized] therapy with the SMart Center I know Zane is going to be ok.”
What does say Zane have to say about his journey? “He says speaking is way more fun than being mute.”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Zane’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
Laila was always a happy, outgoing, verbal child at home and with her extended family in any setting. However, when she was around anyone else, adults or peers, she was never verbal with them and did not communicate in any way; she wouldn’t even gesture like nodding or pointing. Laila was completely mute and noncommunicative in the school setting when she began preschool. She was expressionless and extremely rigid in her posture. She would follow the routine but tried to be invisible to those around her.
Laila’s mom states that she has found S-CAT® to be the most effective for her daughter, stating “We found that focusing on talking did not address the other areas of concern for our daughter, as well as placed a high level of expectation on speech which heightened her anxiety. We have seen much better results that are longer lasting with S-CAT® than using the behavioral approach of focusing on talking.”
Laila’s mom described her progression to be “INCREDIBLE” with the use of S-CAT®! “When she attended CommuniCamp™ in October 2017 she was not even on the [Social Communication Bridge®]. At the end of the weekend she had made it on the bridge! Following camp we began implementing S-CAT® strategies daily and her school also put all of the strategies in place; buddies, SPOT, lunch bunch, and pull out, HO/TO, etc. exactly seven months—May 10, 2018—after returning from CommuniCamp™ Laila was verbal in her classroom setting! She then slowly added every peer and all her teachers. By the end of school— June 2018— she was reading aloud to a small group of one teacher and 2-3 peers, she had answered a question in a large group, she had started the Pledge of allegiance two times in front of the whole class, she was running around the playground and talking with all her peers, and she sang every song with her class (and was the LOUDEST) at her preschool graduation! Laila’s progress has continued. She is not almost always able to respond verbally in any setting. She is comfortable initiating verbally with many teachers. She was verbal with all her peers in her classroom setting. With warm up time she typically becomes verbal in many social situations.”
For parents going through it now, Laila’s mom said: “I can attest that the S-CAT® absolutely works! My biggest advice is to read and learn as much as you can about it. Make the [Social Communication Bridge®] and Feelings Chart® second nature. Use SMart Center staff as a resource whenever you can. And IMPLEMENT the strategies as frequently as you can. Try you hardest to get the school on board as they can be a HUGE help! It’s all about IMPLEMENTATION!”
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Laila’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
At around 7-years-old, Carlee was mute with unfamiliar adults (such as doctors and dentists) and children. In school she had a few friends but was unable to speak to most teachers and classmates. By 4th grade, she started to become mute with familiar family and friends she used to talk to, and by 6th grade she regressed to only speaking to her immediate family. She was never able to talk on the phone or in stores and restaurants.
Through the SMart Center’s Individualized Intensive Program, Follow-Up Consultations via web-conference, and School Consultations, Carlee’s mom describes her as “a totally different child now who has blossomed into a beautiful young woman with so much more confidence and has several friends now who just adore her.”
Carlee’s mom reports that recently “Carlee was able to audition for choir singing a solo in front of senior students and the teacher! She is able now to carry on lengthy conversations with her dentists, doctors, and therapists and usually ‘wows’ them. She was away from home for two weeks with no issues and had a blast! She can now use a phone calling others and answering when others call her. She is usually the loudest in the group now and tries harder to get to know those she doesn’t know very well. Carlee also just got her drivers permit and talked easily with the person helping her get her picture and examine her eyes.”
Dr. E’s Ritual Sound Approach® (RSA), a.k.a. “The Missing Link” in most other treatment approaches for SM, helped Carlee progress the most in the beginning and at times she had trouble becoming verbal on her own. Carlee’s mom’s key advice for parents going through it now is: “Use everyday errands as a chance to do exposure practice. The more opportunities your child has to practice the quicker they will progress.”
When Wes and his family kick-started treatment via the August 2018 CommuniCamp™ they “were in a rough place.” Wes had just started to whisper to immediate family member after being essentially fully mute.
According to Mom, “during the weekend of CommuniCamp™ he was breaking out of a whisper into a full voice on-an-off and within a week he had moved out of the whisper to a full-time full voice with our household members and grandparents. After that he was able to communicate with people he knew well like a typical kid. As noted above, we did move from whisper only, to breaking into a full voice, on day one of CommuniCamp™. We had not heard his full voice in 5 weeks at that point so there was a lot of joy (that we had to hide because recognizing progress with our son was not helpful).
When school began our son was able to fully communicate in school only when my husband or I were present. This was a big improvement over the previous school year. Our school agreed to have us participate in our son’s school day daily if that is what we needed. Almost every day for 20-90 minutes I would attend school with him. He would be fully verbal. So, I played games with him and his peers that involved speech (which we learned at CommuniCamp™) and I would slowly take steps to physically back away while he was talking, and he would continue.
There was a day where I was in an out of his classroom over a few-hour period. I was in for ten minutes, out for an hour, etc. He was able to stay verbal while I was gone each time. After I left for good, he continued to stay verbal. After about 2.5 months, almost overnight, he was able to continue to speak when I left the school until the end of the day and continue on the bus home. After that the school obstacle was overcome. Wes is speaking fully at school; all settings, peers, teachers, administrators, etc.
Today Wes can often order in a restaurant like a typical child, he is, as of November 2018, fully verbal at school with all staff and students. An outsider would not know he was an SM kid.
[As of April 2019] he has recently joined baseball for the first time and has had no issues communicating with the coach or other kids on the team. We recently traveled out of state and he met a boy at the hotel pool and immediately was playing with him and talking without the need for CommuniCamp™ strategies. When things are high pressure, he sometimes transitions to a quiet voice and we engage with S-CAT®, but considering a year ago there was no voice, we could not be happier.”
The steps to enroll in CommuniCamp™ are easy as 1-2-3! Call 215-887-5748 to learn more, or click here for more detailed information: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/communicamp/
At 3 ½ years old, Joseph’s parents noticed he did not talk to any of his teachers in preschool. He did everything he was supposed to do, but did not talk to his teachers. When he was home, he spoke all the time. When he was with certain family members he would talk but then when he was with others he did not know as well, he would just sit quietly. The therapist he was seeing was at a standstill. She suggested the family find someone else to work with him. Mom reports, “I did some research and came across the SMart Center. [Their “comfort precedes communication” philosophy] was a big thing we did not know about before the SMart Center. Most of the treatments we tried were basically trying to get Joseph to talk by bribing him or rewards, which did not work for him.
After attending CommuniCamp™ and following-up with the SMart Center approx. once every 6-8 weeks, his progress has been amazing in such a short period of time! [Since then] Joseph’s biggest accomplishment was doing the school spelling bee, not once but twice! He got up in front of peers and teachers on the microphone! He is doing great in school and raises his hand to ask questions. He will answer the teacher if called on. He is more open to doing things he wouldn’t do before, like staying at his friend’s house without me or his dad and/or going someplace with them. He is getting more comfortable being with extended family.”
Joseph’s mother reports the S-CAT® strategies that helped him the most were:
- Comfort over communication
- Talking about topics of interest
- Bridging up and down and knowing when to do it
- Big shot/show-off rolls, exp. his guitar playing. with him really gets him interested and talking. Check out Joseph playing his guitar at the SMart Center: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRObH-ZMFCM
- And so many more!
Joseph’s mother has advice for families seeking treatment via SMart Center Services:
“Don’t give up! It seems like a lot in the beginning but it’s just knowing how the use the tools the SMart Center provides you with [learned during CommuniCamp™ Parent Training and in individualized follow-up consultations]. A school consult is a must so they understand what makes your child comfortable and they can implement the same strategies you are using at home. Your child spends a lot of time in school so it’s very important they understand what makes your child thrive. CommuniCamp™ was the best thing we ever did. We learned so much!”
The steps to enroll in CommuniCamp™ are easy as 1-2-3! Call 215-887-5748 to learn more, or click here for more detailed information: https://selectivemutismcenter.org/communicamp/
Olivia shows off her “Common Questions” bracelet. By writing a question on a paper bracelet, she feels comfortable asking a new question each day!
Watch Olivia demonstrate how she uses her bracelets to help initiate questions!
“Don’t be scared. It’s me, Allison. I’ve been scared like that too. I know what it’s like. I was just like you,” I said to my future preschooler.
Allison was in preschool when she was diagnosed with Selective Mutism. Today, 15 years later, she is applying to college. Here is an excerpt from Allison’s college essay as she recalls her journey to overcome Selective Mutism:
It’s a typical preschool day. I am hiding under the loft in my classroom as usual. Ethan and Jack are heading my way. I’m so excited. Maybe someone finally wants to play with me. They brought tools. “Wait, stop, what are you doing?” They’re trying to stick their tools in my mouth. I hate it. I want them to stop. I squeeze my teeth shut. The tears are rolling down. They’re looking for my voice. Someone please help me! It’s there, I promise! It just won’t come out…
I remember long drives to see Dr. E [at the SMart Center]. I loved those long drives. Mom drove every time. Then we had breakfast in Philadelphia, and then I get to play with Dr. E. I went from becoming completely blank and paralyzed when asked a question to becoming frustrated. I wanted to talk. I was going to talk. I was finally able to make one friend, Jenna. I would tell Jenna what I needed in school and she would tell the teacher. Finally, I was able to say “here” when my name was called in attendance. I could finally do what the other kids could do. ‘I know what it’s like. I have been on the other side. It’s me, Allison. Don’t be scared.’ I strongly believe that your childhood shapes your future…The internal battle I faced with Selective Mutism was not an easy one, but I succeeded, and I hope to help others do the same. Overcoming my mutism has allowed me to express myself and show my true colors to the world around me. Just as I have overcome my mutism, I will overcome whatever else life throws my way. I will face my problems head on and prevail, because I am Allison Levin and I am no longer afraid.”
“Since starting the S-CAT® Program at the SMart Center, Tom is chatty with his grandparents, baseball coach, and certain peers. I have had many teachers approach me this fall and remark on Tom’s progress. He has been described as: having many friends he interacts with at school, “chatty”, taking a lead during Grandparent day, taking a lead role in doing a group presentation to his class. Even family friends have commented what a huge change they have seen in him! S-CAT® is life-changing and holds us all accountable. 
We consult with the SMart Center once every three months and Tom is making huge progress in ALL areas of his life. I have seen big improvements even in social settings with his peers. He rarely shows anxiety when we are out in public, and he has a group of kids that he hangs-out with at school with whom Tom is beginning to have easy/natural conversations. I have observed this in both one-on-one situations and in group settings (such as trap practice). In alignment with his S-CAT® treatment plan, we continue to prepare and practice for any new situation Tom may encounter. Best example: Tom has started interviewing for jobs. We have practiced such things as how to approach a store manager, answers to questions that might be asked.
Update: Tom secured a job at McDonald’s and is doing well!”
Harper and her family joined the SMart Center through our Individual Intensive Program and attend follow-up consultations every 4-5 weeks. After just five visits, Harper’s mom and dad shared the following, “Since starting treatment at the SMart Center, situations that used to be very difficult are now ‘doable’. For example, we had a family picnic the other week and she did great. She is significantly more communicative and much less anxious. She’s a much happier child and has steadily become more and more confident. She continues to push herself to engage in new situations and step outside of her comfort zone. We couldn’t be happier with her progress. It’s been a game changer for our family. Harper is truly a new child since starting S-CAT® treatment with Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum SMart Center.”
Not only is Harper a Shining Star, but her parents are, too! Dr. E says, “Harper made significant progress quickly because her parents are amazing implementers. They took our recommendations and ran with it!” She added, “I’m so proud of Harper, who is truly a shining star, but mom and dad, too!”
(Harper’s mom and dad are thrilled to feature Harper as a SMart Center Shining Star but they requested we do not use her photo. The image shown is for illustrative purposes only.)
Words cannot begin to express the gratitude my family has for the SMart Center. Two years ago my identical twin daughters started pre-school and went completely mute while at school. They showed very little affect and would stand huddled together in a corner. I have been a special educator for 15 years, so I mistakenly thought I would be able to help my daughters find their voices again. After 4 months of in-home therapy with a child psychologist and almost no progress, we decided to look for other avenues to help our daughters.
That is when we found the SMart Center and our lives changed! We started therapy with the amazing Jennifer Brittingham, M.A. and within a month, there were drastic changes with our girls. After 4 months of incredible support from Miss Jennifer and following the comprehensive S-CAT® program, my daughters began talking at school. I walked into my daughters’ class to pick them up and the teacher was crying and started shaking her head yes. I instantly knew my brave girls had found their voices. We continued using Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum’s S-CAT® program and our daughters continued to blossom. Now our daughters are in first grade and they opened their Spring Show with the only speaking parts in the show! They stood in front of 300 people and spoke in big, strong, glorious voices! I have never been happier or prouder in my life. Thank you, SMart Center. Thank you for guiding us on this journey and helping us find so much success.
“In my head, I’ve been trying to craft the perfect THANK YOU letter to you guys, but every time I think of what to say, our daughter has another incredible progress leap, and my letter has to be adjusted. I do plan on writing Dr. E a full update, but until then, I just can’t wait any longer to say: THANK YOU. We were so sad that [CommuniCamp] was over, but what we have discovered since we’ve been back…is that camp is NOT over. Our 5-year old has taken everything you guys gave her and is independently applying it to her daily life. It is taking all my strength not to cry every time I witness her achieving one more thing that she couldn’t do a week ago.
Because we’ve been working with the SMart Center, I worried this would be repetitive for us. It was anything but. At the least it was a healthy refresh, but at the most, it was an incredible opportunity to go deeper, and to internalize your guidance. For my daughter, camp is now in her heart. She knows for a fact that she is ‘not the only one.’ She knows for a fact that there are things she can do to help herself. She knows for a fact that Dr. E and her counselors were there to help her. She knows for a fact that she can do what she sets her mind to. She now has proof and evidence to support all of this. I don’t believe she knew any of those things for a fact a week ago.
What an exceptional team of LOVING, SMART, SHARP, INTUITIVE, SUPPORTIVE professionals we met at CommuniCamp. THANK YOU.” -Kayla’s mom (February 2018 CommuniCamper and a member of our SMart Center Family)
If you’d like to speak to Kayla’s mom about their experience with the SMart Center’s CommuniCamp Program, send an email to CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org and we’ll be happy to share her contact information. She, among many of our family members, has offered to be a reference for our treatment programs.
“We have had tremendous progress since camp!! We went to camp 100% non-verbal with anyone beyond mom and her dad, for over a year. Between switching to a therapist who specializes in SM and attending CommuniCamp in August 2017 we have a totally different child 6 months later and it is unreal. We never thought that we’d ever see this day. She is speaking to ALL of her family members again, so many friends we can’t even count, her teachers, and even strangers at the store and ordering her own food! CommuniCamp was what kicked it into gear for us for her. We left camp with an understanding that communication can happen in many different ways. She came back still not speaking to anyone beyond mom and dad, but she was much more comfortable communicating in a way that was comfortable for her and she started to make connections to the same things from camp that we were trying to implement from her local therapist. Someone would ask her a question and rather than freezing up, she would turn and use mom or dad as a verbal intermediary all on her own. Prior to that we would have to prompt her and she would rarely do it. It just blew up from there, kind of like popcorn…it started and just keeps popping! We NEVER thought we would be where we are today. The months leading up to camp was a dark time because we just didn’t know how we were ever going to overcome this and felt helpless. We still have lots of work to do and this is not over, but the progress thus far has been surreal and we cannot believe it!” -Angie (Kaylee’s Mom and Summer 2017 CommuniCamper)
If you’d like to speak to Kayee’s mom about their experience with the SMart Center’s CommuniCamp Program, send an email to CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org and we’ll be happy to share her contact information. She, among many of our family members, has offered to be a reference for our treatment programs.
“We Have a Completely Different Child After Attending CommuniCamp!” An Update, Two Years Later
Read Kaylee’s original “Shining Star Success Story” here.
Kaylee and her family traveled from Wisconsin to attend the CommuniCamp™ Program in the Summer of 2017. This is their story:
“We noticed Kaylee wouldn’t talk when she was attending preschool at age three. She talked in other settings like daycare, family’s house, and home. When Kaylee was in 4K a co-worker friend mentioned Selective Mutism and it was our daughter completely but we decided to monitor it to see if she outgrew it. At that time she had never had spoken at school in two years (preschool and 4K) and then before kindergarten, stopped talking to daycare, friends, and family, and for a period of 14 months ONLY spoke to mom and dad all through kindergarten and the start of first grade. If spoken to by any stranger she would shut down, hide behind mom and dad, and often times cry. It was a very painful time when communicating was so uncomfortable for her.”
After no success or movement in the seven week of seeing a local therapist who specialized in Selective Mutism (but was not S-CAT® certified), Kaylee’s Mom decided to do her own research using the SMart Center’s website resources, webinars, and books. Mom then decided to attend CommuniCamp™ in the Summer of 2017 to boost success and for the extensive parent education sessions. At that time, it had been 13 months since Kaylee spoke to anyone beyond mom and dad.
After attending August 2017 CommuniCamp™, Kaylee was finally starting to communicate more than she ever had before. “Not long after she started speaking to her grandparents again, then her aunts, uncles, cousins, and a few friends.
- Christmas 2017 we were speaking to the entire extended family.
- February 2018 we “graduated” from our local therapist because Kaylee had made SO much progress! Everyday at school and everywhere she was communicating and speaking to more and more people. Ordering her own food, talking to the clerks at the store, and communicating with her doctors at appointments.
- March 2018 she was speaking to her entire first grade class and even participated in a class readers theater!
- Fall of 2018 she started second grade confident as ever and her teacher said that had she not know Kaylee prior to being in her class, she never would have known she had Selective Mutism. She raised her hand, spoke to anyone and everyone, and never slowed down!
This has continued into third grade and she still continues to be brave and do amazing things! Still blows my mind that just two years ago there were so few people she spoke to.” Kaylee, along with her mom and another friend and her mom, have even sang in a small group at church several times in the last year!
What S-CAT® strategies helped Kaylee and her family the most?
Kaylee’s Mom reports that “Our biggest takeaway for the ENTIRE family…mom, dad, and Kaylee…from CommuniCamp™ was that EVERYONE had to communicate their needs, but there are many ways to communicate along the [Social Communication Bridge®]. We started with baby steps on the Bridge® with outings at the store, or ordering food, and gradually moved into interviews with people that she knew. The interview technique we learned at CommuniCamp™, and we must have done easily well over 100, was our sweet spot and the thing that helped open the door for Kaylee with her friends, school staff, family, and more!”
What advice does Kaylee’s Mom have to other SM Families?
“First of all, work at it and use the S-CAT® strategies because they work…and the growth you see along the bridge is overwhelmingly amazing. Two years later I look back and think of how hard those times were and sit in amazement at how far we truly have come! Two years is not that long ago, but with hard work, commitment, and focus you can help your child! There is a light at the end of the tunnel, one for a long time I, Kaylee’s mom, didn’t think existed.”
What does Kaylee have to say about her progress since CommuniCamp™?
I am feeling more brave and confident now. I talk to anyone now and that makes me feel so happy that I can let out my words.
If you are considering enrolling your family in an upcoming CommuniCamp™ Intensive Group Treatment & Parent Training Program with the SMart Center and would like to speak with Kaylee’s mom about her experience, please email CommuniCamp@SelectiveMutismCenter.org so we can connect you!
To effectively overcome Selective Mutism and all anxieties, an individual needs to be involved in a treatment program, such as those rooted in evidenced-based Social Communication Anxiety Treatment® (S-CAT®), like Individualized Intensives and CommuniCamp. Developed by Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, this holistic or “whole-person” treatment approach is designed to reduce anxiety, build self-esteem, increase social comfort and communication in all settings.
As a physician, Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum (“Dr. E”) views SM as a social communication anxiety where mutism is merely a symptom. The key to an effective treatment plan is understanding factors that contribute to the development and maintenance of SM as well as understanding a child’s baseline stage of social communication on the Social Communication Bridge®. Then, working as a team, the treatment professional, parents, and school staff members help the child build coping skills to combat anxious feelings and to progress across the Social Communication Bridge©.
A message from Sarah’s mother after completing just four appointments in our research study: During the course of her treatment, Sarah has really come out of her shell and is speaking to so many people in so many settings. She is a changed child. I have never seen her so happy, exuberant and confident, and it really came about because she can now communicate easily with friends, families, teachers, classmates and even total strangers. Thank you again for all that Dr. E and SMRI have done!
A video testimonial and message from Lucas’s mom, Maureen:
“Lucas first came to the Smart Center when he was three years old. He was completely mute in his school environment and with people outside his immediately family. After being given the specific SCAT strategies to implement, we worked very hard to incorporate them into our daily routine and began to see progress quite quickly. We played games given to us by Dr. E. and used a sticker chart with rewards to keep him motivated. Lucas was fearful of a lot situations, so we incorporated a scary chart into our daily routine that helped him identify and discuss how scary a situation felt. This strategy really helped him feel more in control of his feelings. Every little success built his confidence and each year he improved. Now at the age of 6, he is verbal in all settings.”
Maureen created a journal for children, My Book of Brave: A Journal for Taking Control of Scary Feelings and Fears, available on Amazon!
Here is Lucas speaking to a crowd of over 100 people during his first grade “When I Grow Up” show:”
“Had to share this video. It brings me to tears hearing him talk in a NORMAL voice and so freely in circle time in front of 27 OTHER KIDS! Something I could not even imagine possible 6 months ago. Thank you SO MUCH for our time at the SMart Center. It has been life changing for Grayson as well as Mike and I. Thank you again for helping us help Grayson find his voice.” -Grayson’s Mom
“One of the things we were most grateful for was the strategies us as parents came away with from our visit. Now, 6 months later, Grayson is significantly better and is using his voice in situations he never would have before. It’s so relieving to have been taught these tactics since prior to our consult we as parents felt hopeless. SMart Center really has been life changing for us as parents and Grayson. Thank you!!!!”
Note below where he is proudly telling DR E about the goals he has accomplished on his goal chart!! As indicated in the video, Matthew also has a great grasp on his feelings (a necessary step in building long term coping skills).
We are super proud of Matthew (and parents!)…as well as his teachers for helping to implement the necessary strategies in school.
“What a very proud moment today! This is a glimpse of one of many performances today. What joy this brought me today and many tears. The simple pleasure of life….talking, smiling, singing, which to most are too often taken for granted. What a tremendous difference a year has made!! Many thanks from our hearts!”!
Mary, a 17 year old at the time, started treatment in the S-CAT® Program in July 2016 and was seen monthly for Selective Mutism and social anxiety disorder.
A message from Mary’s mother about her progress within 8 short visits to the SMart Center:
A message from Faith’s father:
We started the program with Dr. E. in November and since then Faith has really thrived. She is now reading to other kids in her classroom. She will respond to questions asked by her teacher on a limited basis and has been able to have full conversations with her guidance counselor. We have had several play dates with children from school at our house and during those play dates Faith was talking, laughing, screaming, playing. This is such an amazing turn around in such a short period of time.
“We are very happy with the progress and think it has made a huge difference in Matthews life. He is open about talking about his fears of talking with others. He is willing to work on them. He is also learning to have more confidence in himself.”
The video below was taken during Matthews second follow up visit. He went from not engaging and being completely mute with unfamiliar individuals, teachers, and the like, to transitioning into verbal using a “whisper buddy.” The video below, although quiet, shows Matthew ‘using his voice’ to answer Dr. Shipon-Blum’s questions!
As a participant in this past year’s research study, Liam made incredible progress in just three months of treatment! With the help of his family, Dr. E., and lots of hard work on Liam’s part, he progressed into verbal in all settings. In fact, at the conclusion of the treatment study, he went from being nonverbal in the school setting to being described as “chatty” by his mother and teacher!
Liam and mom show off the charts Liam used to track his progress and earn rewards!
I had to send this picture we took of Liam the other day at Kindergarten graduation. He stood at the microphone and said a line! Who would have thought in September that this was even possible? There wasn’t a dry eye in our row of seats;) Once again, we are reminded of what a blessing it was to be treated at the SMart center. Thank you!!
Before the treatment it was really hard to communicate with people and to feel accepted into groups. When my teachers asked me to talk I just stared at everyone. Everyone stared at me waiting for me to speak. After a minute or so the teacher skipped me and went on. Sometimes I felt so embarrassed that I wanted to cry, but I didnt. I did get butterflies in my stomach a lot, and sometimes I felt nauseous. Time passed and I just felt frustrated. I would be talking with my close friend and another student that I didnt talk to would show up and wanted to chat. I couldnt keep a conversation because I wouldnt talk. Sometimes the friend I talked to went away with the friend I didnt talk to, and that made me feel sad. When kids asked me why dont you talk? my friends had to say she doesnt talk because she is shy and it was hard to hear that every single day. I wasnt shy! I just couldnt use my voice!
In restaurants it wasnt too hard, just a little bit. My parents or my grandparents had to order my food. When I was with my aunt and uncle or my cousins thats when it got hard because my brother had to order for me and hes just a year older than me.
What helped me the most with the treatment was the support I got from my family (extended family and friends included). My family was always supporting me every time I improved they would tell me good job or awesome. I got star stickers on a chart every time I did a goal that helped me improve. That helped a lot. I got very happy when everyone got excited because I was one step closer to talking.
Talking in school is the thing I feel most proud about. Since I started a new school for 7th grade I talk to everybody and its a great feeling. Nobody knows. Only 2 or 3 of my elementary school teachers that are also at this new school and the director (that was also in the other school) and the principal. But its ok because they never bring it up. Some of my friends from the other school moved to the new school with me but they dont care. I just talk to them and they never ask. Talking in school is awesome.
Now I can do a lot of things that I couldnt do in the past. For example, in school no one knows. Not even one of my best friends, so Im just a normal student. In restaurants its so much easier I can order. Im fine and Im not scared anymore. I used to not talk to my aunts, uncles, and my cousins, but now they never mention it. I have a lot of fun hanging out with them. I am really proud of myself.
I would tell kids that conquering this fear can change your whole life. You finally say to yourself I feel normal. You could just feel the best that youve ever felt in your life. Its an awesome feeling.
A MESSAGE FROM THAIS’ MOTHER:
Progress is as unique as every child is, so patience, and taking every single step as a major accomplishment, no matter how small, is paramount. I guess that our ability as a family to focus on the moment rather than focusing on the big picture (her finding her voice) was crucial too. We are blessed also to have an extended family and a group of close friends that were always presence, help, and a shoulder to cry on and would do anything for our daughter...
As a family, we chose to all be on board for her, even our 13 year old boy. The road can become rough on occasions, but this IS POSSIBLE. The most important basic thing is not giving up, ever. My daughter thinks the world is a very cool place to be right now.
Colin and his family have been a wonderful part of the SMart Center family. Here’s what his parents had to say about S-CAT(c).
Dr. Es S-CAT approach always provides a way to move Colin forward. It seems when he gets stuck with one technique, she finds another and we find many ways to adapt each technique to each individual setting. This has given him such control over his therapy and therefore much more interest on his part to participate. The S-CAT treatment has been key in taking Colins therapy from the treatment room to the real world. This is exactly what we were unable to do in prior treatments.
Colin and Mr. B spend time together at the SMart Center!
Colin uses these bracelets to help him initiate questions each day!
Parents Speak Out
Apollo’s Mom
The Mcglinchey Family
The Andrews Family
Janine