April 8, 2024 Dear SMA Community, Spring has officially sprung, and the school year is winding down. It’s time to start developing (or refining) a transition plan for students with… Continue reading Selective Mutism Spring School Transition Plan
Author: Andrew Weitzen
Selective Mutism and the Holidays
November 2023 Dear SM Community, It is known as the most wonderful time of the year, but for people with selective mutism the holidays can be very stressful. Family gatherings,… Continue reading Selective Mutism and the Holidays
SMA Educator’s Webcourse Is Now Available!
September 2023 Dear SM Community, SMA has exciting news to share! SMA has launched a new online professional development resource for teachers and school staff–the SMA Educator’s Webcourse. The SMA… Continue reading SMA Educator’s Webcourse Is Now Available!
How to Explain Selective Mutism to Friends and Family
August 2023 Dear SM Community, People generally have a hard time understanding Selective Mutism (SM). Even some experienced mental health professionals have a difficult time conceptualizing SM symptoms and what… Continue reading How to Explain Selective Mutism to Friends and Family
What is a Speech Language Pathologist-and Does My Child Need One?
By Emily Doll, M.A., M.S., CCC-SLP Dear SM Community, A speech-language pathologist (SLP; also referred to as a speech therapist) is a trained clinician who evaluates and treats people… Continue reading What is a Speech Language Pathologist-and Does My Child Need One?
Make Brave Talking Fun with Bravery Bingo
June 2023 Dear SM Community, One of our favorite ways to make brave talking practice more fun is to turn it into a game! Bravery Bingo is an approach that… Continue reading Make Brave Talking Fun with Bravery Bingo
Transition to Summer
April 2023 Dear SMA Community, While it’s just the beginning of spring and most of us are thinking about summer as something far in the future, when planning for kids,… Continue reading Transition to Summer
Is a Selective Mutism Intensive Treatment Camp Right for our Family?
Many caregivers of children with SM will have heard of Selective Mutism treatment camps before—whether on SMA’s events page, through social media groups, or by word of mouth. Many have… Continue reading Is a Selective Mutism Intensive Treatment Camp Right for our Family?
SMA Statement Regarding Different Terminology Used to Describe Selective Mutism
The Selective Mutism Association has become aware of an increase in variable terminology used as synonyms for Selective Mutism. Some of these terms include “Situational Mutism,” “Reluctant Speaker,” and “Reluctant… Continue reading SMA Statement Regarding Different Terminology Used to Describe Selective Mutism
Growing your Child’s Motivation to Challenge Anxiety
Dear SMA Community, Engaging in therapy or completing communication goals on your own is hardly ever easy. Its not easy for caregivers to see their loved one struggle, and it’s… Continue reading Growing your Child’s Motivation to Challenge Anxiety