Our thoughts are powerful and can have a strong impact on our emotional and behavioral responses in challenging situations. Individuals with anxiety often fall into characteristic “thinking traps” in which… Continue reading Challenging Anxious Selective Mutism Thoughts
Author: Andrew Weitzen
2025 Annual Appeal
Each year, individuals living with SM walk into classrooms, workplaces, clinics, and social settings unable to speak—not because they won’t, but because they can’t. Selective Mutism is often misunderstood, underestimated,… Continue reading 2025 Annual Appeal
Incorporating Brave Practices at School
October 2025 Dear Selective Mutism Community, Students in the United States spend approximately 35-40 hours per week at school. This highly social and verbal setting is often difficult for students… Continue reading Incorporating Brave Practices at School
Untangling Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety: Similarities, Differences, and Implications for Treatment
July 2025 Dear SMA Community, Perhaps understandably, symptoms of Selective Mutism are often mis-labeled as Social Anxiety. It’s easy to see the similarities—in both conditions, the person impacted can freely… Continue reading Untangling Selective Mutism and Social Anxiety: Similarities, Differences, and Implications for Treatment
Harnessing Motivation: Navigating the Challenges of Selective Mutism and Anxiety Treatment
April 2025 Dear SMA Community, Navigating the journey of overcoming selective mutism and anxiety can feel like climbing a steep mountain. It’s challenging, sometimes overwhelming, and progress might not always… Continue reading Harnessing Motivation: Navigating the Challenges of Selective Mutism and Anxiety Treatment
Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions
March 2025 Dear SMA Community, While there is a strong body of evidence supporting the effectiveness ofindividual, child-focused behavioral and cognitive-behavioral therapies fortreating youth anxiety, as clinicians, researchers, and caregivers,… Continue reading Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions
Selective Mutism and Other Forms of Anxiety
February 2025 Dear SMA Community, Part of the Selective Mutism Association’s goal is to advocate for those withselective mutism by spreading awareness and providing educational resourcesand tools. We believe that… Continue reading Selective Mutism and Other Forms of Anxiety
SMA December Communication A Story of Hope: Austin’s Journey
December 2024 Dear SMA Community, As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense gratitude for allthe strides we’ve made in supporting individuals and families affected byselective… Continue reading SMA December Communication A Story of Hope: Austin’s Journey
Traveling and Vacationing with Selective Mutism
With the summer season upon us, families are planning and orchestrating family vacations. This article focuses on two typical types of travelers, 5 ways to help children cope when away… Continue reading Traveling and Vacationing with Selective Mutism
Celebrating Progress and Success Within Selective Mutism Intervention
May 2024 “Believe in yourself and you can achieve greatness in your life” – Judy Blume Dear SMA Community, While exposure practice is a critical component of SM treatment, a… Continue reading Celebrating Progress and Success Within Selective Mutism Intervention