April 2026 Dear Selective Mutism Community, Participation in extracurricular and socially enriching activities plays an important role in the emotional, social, and developmental growth of children and teens. Research consistently… Continue reading The Importance of Extracurricular Activities for Children and Teens with Selective Mutism
Author: Andrew Weitzen
Scripts as a Scaffold: Supporting Speech While Confidence Grows
March 2026 Dear Selective Mutism Community, Often, my clients with Selective Mutism (or their family members) share concerns that they “will say the wrong thing” or that they “don’t know… Continue reading Scripts as a Scaffold: Supporting Speech While Confidence Grows
Challenging Anxious Selective Mutism Thoughts
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
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