BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Selective Mutism Association - ECPv6.15.17.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Selective Mutism Association REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20230312T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20231105T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20240310T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20241103T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Chicago BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20240310T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20241103T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20250309T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20251102T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20260308T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20261101T070000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0600 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:CDT DTSTART:20270314T080000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0600 TZNAME:CST DTSTART:20271107T070000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241203T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241203T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20241110T171650Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241110T214313Z UID:10001141-1733256000-1733259600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Webinar - Selective Mutism: Tips for Handling the Holidays DESCRIPTION:Free – Live Webinar with Q & A! \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Becca Laptook\, PhD & Rachel Merson\, PsyD \n\n\n\nThis webinar is for families\, parents & treating professionals. Everyone is welcome! \n\n\n\nTo register\, click below: \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fkFc5cvpTsyjSH0GHctP7g \n\n\n\nWhile the holiday season is often full of energy and excitement\, for many families it can also be a time of increased stress\, particularly for caregivers supporting a child with selective mutism. The many social obligations along with expectations for interacting with unfamiliar friends and family members and changes in routine can be overwhelming and anxiety provoking. In this webinar\, Dr. Becca Laptook and Dr. Rachel Merson will share strategies for parents and caregivers for managing the highs and lows of the holidays and for simultaneously helping their children practice being brave while still enjoying the special moments of the season. The webinar will include tips for talking to friends and relatives about SM\, setting realistic expectations and achievable goals\, and preparing children for success. \n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\nBecca Laptook\, PhD is a licensed clinical child psychologist who specializes in the treatment of childhood anxiety. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the State University of NY at Stony Brook and completed her clinical internship at NY Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical School and subsequent child postdoctoral fellowship at North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System. Dr. Laptook is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry & Human Behavior as well as the Department of Pediatrics at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University. She works at Rhode Island Hospital where she is a psychologist at the Hasbro Children’s Partial Hospital Program\, a day-treatment program for kids ages 6-18 coping with both psychiatric and medical illnesses. Dr. Laptook specializes in working with children and families and has a particular interest and expertise in early childhood\, childhood anxiety\, Selective Mutism\, child temperament\, parent-child interactions\, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. \n\n\n\nRachel Merson\, Psy.D. is the Clinical Director of the Child and Adolescent Fear and Anxiety Treatment Program at the Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (Child CARD). Dr. Merson has extensive experience providing evidence-based treatment to children and adolescents with a range of anxiety disorders and co-occurring emotional and behavioral concerns. As Director of Child CARD’s Selective Mutism Program\, she oversees Brave Bunch\, Child CARD’s intensive group treatment program for young children with SM. In addition\, Dr. Merson is actively involved in providing supervision and training to Child CARD graduate students and trainees. She frequently conducts workshops with schools and community agencies on selective mutism and other topics related to child anxiety. Dr. Merson completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Virginia where she majored in Psychology and graduated with High Distinction. She went on to earn her Masters and Doctoral degrees in Clinical Psychology from the Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) at Rutgers University. Dr. Merson completed a one-year\, APA-approved internship at Franciscan Hospital for Children in Boston\, Massachusetts. \n\n\n\nChild CARDhttps://sites.bu.edu/childcardresearch URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-selective-mutism-tips-for-handling-the-holidays/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20241231T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20241231T170000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20241018T025832Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241018T025838Z UID:10001139-1735632000-1735664400@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Registration for Recording Bundles for the Selective Mutism Association Annual Conference Held on Oct 5-6\, 2024 DESCRIPTION:We have extended registration for the recording bundles until January 31\, 2025. The conference took place on October 5 and 6\, 2024. \n\n\n\nLimited Recording Bundle offered \n\n\n\nMore Information and Registration \n\n\n\nAgenda (Chicago Face to Face) \n\n\n\nRecorded Bundle Agenda for Caregivers/Professionals \n\n\n\nRecorded Bundle Agenda for Individuals with SM \n\n\n\nConference Information \n\n\n\nThe Selective Mutism Association’s annual conference will be on Saturday\, October 5 (full day) and October 6\, 2024 (half day) this year in Chicago\, IL. We hope you can join us in person to connect with our community! It will be a wonderful time of gathering to learn the latest in evidence-based information\, support one another\, and connect with parents and professionals. It’s been a while since we’ve had a face-to-face conference\, and we are excited to see everyone! Please note: SMA is intending to rotate in-person conferences with fully virtual conferences in the coming years. The 2024 conference will offer the following registration options: \n\n\n\nIn-Person Conference (Please note: everyone is welcome to attend in person; however there is not specific live programming geared toward Individuals who currently have SM at the in-person conference)Attend full one-and-a-half day conference of live presentations for professionals and caregiversNetwork with other professionals and families at the Mix n’Mingle Connection time on Saturday eveningExplore current research on SM and interact with researchers at poster presentationsEarn up to 9 Continuing Education credits for approved sessions for both professional and caregiver tracksListen to live “Hear Our Voices” panel of individuals recovering from SM with Q&ABring questions to live panel of experts in the field of SM with Q&ALimited Conference Recording Bundle for caregivers/professionalsA limited selection of pre-determined sessions will be recorded and offered virtually directly after the conferenceEarn up to 5 continuing education credits. If you need continuing education\, please check approvals.Session titles and descriptionsRecordings will be released after the conference and will be available until January 31\, 2025Recording Bundle for Individuals with Selective Mutism (ages 17 and older)Sessions will be recorded and offered virtually after the conference (geared toward ages 17 and older)Please note that sessions for this track will NOT be offered in person at the conference.Registration is free for this track. Those that choose this registration option will only have access to the Individual Track presentations.Sessions titles and descriptionsRecordings will be released after the conference and will be available until January 31\, 2025\n\n\n\nKeynote Address: Expanding the Reach and Scope of Care for Children with Selective Mutism: Leveraging Novel Treatment Formats and Innovative Technologies\, Jonathan S. Comer\, Ph.D. \n\n\n\nOne of the field’s leading authorities on the nature and treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders\, Dr. Comer leads a funded research program examining innovative and nontraditional strategies for expanding the reach\, scope\, and responsiveness of children’s mental healthcare. His work focuses on digital mental health\, telehealth\, intensive formats\, and parenting approaches for treating anxiety-related problems such as behavioral avoidance\, irritability\,family accommodation\, and selective mutism. Dr. Comer is Professor of Psychology at Florida International University where he directs the NIH-funded Mental health Interventions & Novel Therapeutics (MINT) Program and the SAMHSA-funded Network for Enhancing Wellness in Disaster-Affected Youth (NEW DAY). He’s written over 250 scholarly publications\, serves as Editor-in-Chief of Behavior Therapy\, is past-president of the Society of Clinical Psychology (APA Division12)\, and chairs the semi-annual Miami International Child and Adolescent Mental Health (MICAMH) Conference. He has also coauthored several textbooks\, including Psychopathology: Science and Practice and Fundamentals of Psychopathology. \n\n\n\nDate and Location \n\n\n\nEmbassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile511 N. Columbus Dr.Chicago\, IL312.836.5900 \n\n\n\nSMA’s annual conference offers tracks for professionals\, caregivers\, and individuals with SM (ages 17 and older\, recorded format only). The face to face conference will also offer a silent auction (proceeds are put towards SMA’s mission) and selective mutism display books will be available for perusal with links for purchase. We would love to see you for our Mix n’ Mingle connection time on Saturday evening after the conference sessions. See further conference information for continuing education provided\, scholarships available\, and hotel booking information. We encourage you to make your hotel reservations as early as possible in order to get the lowest rates and best availability. \n\n\n\nPlease see our conference event registration page for more detailed information including pricing\, details about the conference\, and hotel booking information. \n\n\n\nSpecial Note to all Individuals with SM: \n\n\n\nSMA recognizes that resources for older individuals who have SM are scarce and thus\, for individuals with SM (ages 17 and older)\, SMA will continue to offer the Individuals with SM track for FREE! Session titles and descriptions will be released in June 2024. This track will only be offered in a recording format\, not a face-to-face format. Recordings will be available until January 31\, 2025. Continuing education will not be offered for this track. Please note\, that individuals who register for this track will not have access to the professional and caregiver-friendly tracks that are offered virtually. For those registrants who would like access to the professional/caregiver-friendly virtual option\, you will need to register for that bundle as well. \n\n\n\nEmail conference inquiries to Lisa Kovac at info@selectivemutism.org. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/registration-for-recording-bundles-for-the-selective-mutism-association-annual-conference-held-on-oct-5-6-2024-2/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250128T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250108T193103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T193923Z UID:10001742-1738094400-1738098000@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/abaaBEWkSfGJnakWX0OA2g \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-23/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250131T170000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20241018T025938Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241018T025940Z UID:10001140-1738310400-1738342800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Registration for Recording Bundles for the Selective Mutism Association Annual Conference Held on Oct 5-6\, 2024 DESCRIPTION:We have extended registration for the recording bundles until January 31\, 2025. The conference took place on October 5 and 6\, 2024. \n\n\n\nLimited Recording Bundle offered \n\n\n\nMore Information and Registration \n\n\n\nAgenda (Chicago Face to Face) \n\n\n\nRecorded Bundle Agenda for Caregivers/Professionals \n\n\n\nRecorded Bundle Agenda for Individuals with SM \n\n\n\nConference Information \n\n\n\nThe Selective Mutism Association’s annual conference will be on Saturday\, October 5 (full day) and October 6\, 2024 (half day) this year in Chicago\, IL. We hope you can join us in person to connect with our community! It will be a wonderful time of gathering to learn the latest in evidence-based information\, support one another\, and connect with parents and professionals. It’s been a while since we’ve had a face-to-face conference\, and we are excited to see everyone! Please note: SMA is intending to rotate in-person conferences with fully virtual conferences in the coming years. The 2024 conference will offer the following registration options: \n\n\n\nIn-Person Conference (Please note: everyone is welcome to attend in person; however there is not specific live programming geared toward Individuals who currently have SM at the in-person conference)Attend full one-and-a-half day conference of live presentations for professionals and caregiversNetwork with other professionals and families at the Mix n’Mingle Connection time on Saturday eveningExplore current research on SM and interact with researchers at poster presentationsEarn up to 9 Continuing Education credits for approved sessions for both professional and caregiver tracksListen to live “Hear Our Voices” panel of individuals recovering from SM with Q&ABring questions to live panel of experts in the field of SM with Q&ALimited Conference Recording Bundle for caregivers/professionalsA limited selection of pre-determined sessions will be recorded and offered virtually directly after the conferenceEarn up to 5 continuing education credits. If you need continuing education\, please check approvals.Session titles and descriptionsRecordings will be released after the conference and will be available until January 31\, 2025Recording Bundle for Individuals with Selective Mutism (ages 17 and older)Sessions will be recorded and offered virtually after the conference (geared toward ages 17 and older)Please note that sessions for this track will NOT be offered in person at the conference.Registration is free for this track. Those that choose this registration option will only have access to the Individual Track presentations.Sessions titles and descriptionsRecordings will be released after the conference and will be available until January 31\, 2025\n\n\n\nKeynote Address: Expanding the Reach and Scope of Care for Children with Selective Mutism: Leveraging Novel Treatment Formats and Innovative Technologies\, Jonathan S. Comer\, Ph.D. \n\n\n\nOne of the field’s leading authorities on the nature and treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders\, Dr. Comer leads a funded research program examining innovative and nontraditional strategies for expanding the reach\, scope\, and responsiveness of children’s mental healthcare. His work focuses on digital mental health\, telehealth\, intensive formats\, and parenting approaches for treating anxiety-related problems such as behavioral avoidance\, irritability\,family accommodation\, and selective mutism. Dr. Comer is Professor of Psychology at Florida International University where he directs the NIH-funded Mental health Interventions & Novel Therapeutics (MINT) Program and the SAMHSA-funded Network for Enhancing Wellness in Disaster-Affected Youth (NEW DAY). He’s written over 250 scholarly publications\, serves as Editor-in-Chief of Behavior Therapy\, is past-president of the Society of Clinical Psychology (APA Division12)\, and chairs the semi-annual Miami International Child and Adolescent Mental Health (MICAMH) Conference. He has also coauthored several textbooks\, including Psychopathology: Science and Practice and Fundamentals of Psychopathology. \n\n\n\nDate and Location \n\n\n\nEmbassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile511 N. Columbus Dr.Chicago\, IL312.836.5900 \n\n\n\nSMA’s annual conference offers tracks for professionals\, caregivers\, and individuals with SM (ages 17 and older\, recorded format only). The face to face conference will also offer a silent auction (proceeds are put towards SMA’s mission) and selective mutism display books will be available for perusal with links for purchase. We would love to see you for our Mix n’ Mingle connection time on Saturday evening after the conference sessions. See further conference information for continuing education provided\, scholarships available\, and hotel booking information. We encourage you to make your hotel reservations as early as possible in order to get the lowest rates and best availability. \n\n\n\nPlease see our conference event registration page for more detailed information including pricing\, details about the conference\, and hotel booking information. \n\n\n\nSpecial Note to all Individuals with SM: \n\n\n\nSMA recognizes that resources for older individuals who have SM are scarce and thus\, for individuals with SM (ages 17 and older)\, SMA will continue to offer the Individuals with SM track for FREE! Session titles and descriptions will be released in June 2024. This track will only be offered in a recording format\, not a face-to-face format. Recordings will be available until January 31\, 2025. Continuing education will not be offered for this track. Please note\, that individuals who register for this track will not have access to the professional and caregiver-friendly tracks that are offered virtually. For those registrants who would like access to the professional/caregiver-friendly virtual option\, you will need to register for that bundle as well. \n\n\n\nEmail conference inquiries to Lisa Kovac at info@selectivemutism.org. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/registration-for-recording-bundles-for-the-selective-mutism-association-annual-conference-held-on-oct-5-6-2024-3/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250208T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250209T170000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20241218T183640Z LAST-MODIFIED:20241218T183640Z UID:10001740-1739001600-1739120400@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Selective Mutism Training Institute for Professionals DESCRIPTION:More Information and Registration \n\n\n\nThe Selective Mutism Training Institute (SMTI) is an in-depth 2-day training course for professionals working with children diagnosed with selective mutism (SM). The workshop is intensive\, and skills-based with the goal of increasing competence in providing empirically-supported treatment of SM to professionals with beginner and intermediate exposure and skills in assessing and treating SM. We maintain a high instructor to participant ratio to ensure adequate time for modeling and video role-play of the skills. \n\n\n\nThis is a unique opportunity for mental health professionals\, speech-language professionals and graduate-level trainees to learn cutting-edge\, innovative techniques to effectively treat children with SM. Small group\, video consultation with the course instructors following the 2-day training is included in the cost\, allowing participants to further apply the skills in their own unique clinical settings. \n\n\n\nThe workshop starts with providing a framework for understanding the etiology of SM\, highlighting the role of nature\, nurture\, temperament\, and developmental differences in the onset and maintenance of SM\, social anxiety\, and other common comorbidities. Strategies for behavioral\, developmental\, and language assessment will be reviewed\, including how to conduct observations of children with SM. Evidence-based interventions will be covered in depth\, including behavioral strategies such as stimulus fading\, shaping\, positive reinforcement\, and parent education/coaching. State-of-the-science interventions\, such as intensive treatments\, group-based interventions\, and school consultation will also be taught. Speech and language conceptualization\, assessment\, and interventions will also be reviewed.  \n\n\n\nPlease note: At this time\, this training is only offered in English. SMA is not able to offer translation services. Registration is limited to 30 registrants. \n\n\n\nEarn up to 11 CE Credits URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/selective-mutism-training-institute-for-professionals-3/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250226T120000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250226T130000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250108T192559Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T192611Z UID:10001741-1740571200-1740574800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar Utilizing SPACE Treatment to Enhance Therapeutic Outcomes for Selective Mutism DESCRIPTION:Free – Live Webinar with Q & A!Wednesday\, February 26\, 2025Speaker: Dr. Alicia Goodman\, PhD\, NCSP \n\n\n\nThis webinar is clinicians\, psychologists\, social workers\, counselors and school psychologists. A SPACE webinar for parents\, families and caregivers will be held later in 2025. \n\n\n\nTo register\, click below: \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1mhKXiR7Q3Kwy1q968fOrw \n\n\n\nIn this webinar\, Dr. Goodman will review the basic foundations and key components of the Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) treatment program and describe how the SPACE Treatment program can be successfully applied to working with parents of children with selective mutism to enhance therapeutic outcomes. \n\n\n\nObjectives: \n\n\n\n1) Describe and guide understanding of the key/core components of SPACE Treatment \n\n\n\n2) Provide insight into how components of SPACE Treatment can be utilized in working with parents of children with selective mutism \n\n\n\n3) To explore strategies for enhancing therapeutic outcomes for our families with SM using a combination of SPACE treatment and PCIT-SM/CBT/Exposure work \n\n\n\nDisclaimer: This training does not replace or provide SPACE Treatment training to professionals. It merely provides an overview to understand how one would apply basic concepts from SPACE Treatment to the Selective Mutism population. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: \n\n\n\nDr. Alicia Goodman\, is a licensed psychologist and nationally certified school psychologist. She is the owner and clinical director at Simply Psychology\, in Phoenix Arizona\, a small group practice specializing in working with anxiety disorders in children\, teens\, and their parents\, and is a staff psychologist at Phoenix Children’s Hospital.  She is trained in SPACE\, SPACE for ARFID\, and SPACE for Failure to Launch. She has extensive training and professional experience in the field of Selective Mutism\, using PCIT-SM\, CBT\, shaping\, video modeling\, and exposures to help individuals with selective mutism of all ages. \n\n\n\nDr. Goodman has developed intensive summer camps and social groups for kids with selective mutism. She has developed and presented several parent and teacher trainings on the topic of SM and has provided district wide trainings on SM for school-based professionals and administrators. She has created an 8 week on demand SPACE training workshop for parents\, a basic training for parents on differentiating shyness from SM and has been an invited local and national speaker on the topics of selective mutism and anxiety disorders in children.  She remains an active participant and professional within the Arizona and American Psychological Societies\, the National Association of School Psychologists\, the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation\, the Tourette’s Association of America\, and the Selective Mutism Association. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is brought to you by the Selective Mutism Association and was made possible by a generous grant from the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation\, Inc. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-utilizing-space-treatment-to-enhance-therapeutic-outcomes-for-selective-mutism/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250226T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250108T193255Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T193820Z UID:10001743-1740600000-1740603600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pYvsELp3QGSCHIlcneszog \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-24/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250325T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250325T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250108T193538Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T193540Z UID:10001744-1742932800-1742936400@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/GuU4_78dQV6DtVdBelo2vA \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-25/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250410T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250410T200000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250218T194427Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250227T204517Z UID:10001751-1744311600-1744315200@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar- How to Help Your Child Cope with Anxiety: A Look at SPACE Training for Parents and Caregivers DESCRIPTION:Live Webinar with Q & A! Registration is free! \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Eli Penela\, PhD \n\n\n\nThis program is intended for parents and caregivers. \n\n\n\nFor more information and to register\, click here: \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Bt5ta4ZmQgOrFQyYpZL2LA \n\n\n\nChildren with selective mutism often struggle with anxiety in different situations. They might feel nervous at friends’ birthday parties\, when doing presentations or tests at school\, and when trying out new things in the community (e.g.\, starting a new extra-curricular activity\, or checking out an event at the library). When you see your child struggling with anxiety – what is the best way to help them? Navigating these situations can be challenging! Join Dr. Eli Penela for a discussion about helpful strategies based on the SPACE (Supportive Parenting of Anxious Childhood Emotions) approach. SPACE is an effective\, research-backed treatment program that was developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at Yale University for parents of children with anxiety. During this presentation you will learn effective tools that will help you feel confident when helping your child cope with anxiety. For further information on the SPACE program\, please visit https://www.spacetreatment.net/. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Eli Penela\, PhD \n\n\n\nDr. Eli Penela is a bilingual licensed psychologist who earned her PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Miami. Her work has been published in peer-reviewed journals\, such as Child Development and Infancy\, and she has presented at various national conferences. Dr. Penela founded Wellness in Broward\, a specialized private practice dedicated to providing evidence-based therapy to children and adults experiencing challenges with anxiety\, OCD\, and related concerns. She provides therapy to individuals in person from her office in South Florida\, as well as via tele-health to individuals across all 39 PSYPACT states. \n\n\n\nDr. Penela is also passionate about empowering parents with science-backed tools to help their children effectively cope with anxiety and OCD. She writes an email newsletter for parents filled with evidence-based tips and resources and also shares this information on Instagram\, @drelipenela. \n\n\n\nYou can subscibe to Dr. Penela’s newsletter at https://newsletter.elizabethpenela.com/. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-space-training-for-parents-and-caregivers-how-to-help-your-child-cope-with-anxiety/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250430T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250430T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250108T194109Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T194110Z UID:10001745-1746043200-1746046800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/pHF2Rc7wREevjsRSdKPP-w \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-26/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250520T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250326T192436Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250326T192438Z UID:10003334-1747771200-1747774800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar: Using Telehealth for Selective Mutism Treatment: Expanding on Lessons Learned Through Research and Practice DESCRIPTION:Live Webinar with Q & A! General registration is free! \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Jami Furr\, PhD \n\n\n\nThis webinar has been approved for 1 CE credit. For those seeking CE credit\, registration is $20. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is geared toward treating professionals\, including psychologists\, social workers\, counselors\, and MFT’s. \n\n\n\nFor more information and to register\, click here: \n\n\n\nhttps://selectivemutismassociation.ce-go.com/using-telehealth-for-selective-mutism-treatment-expanding-on-lessons-learned-through-research-and-practice \n\n\n\nDescription: \n\n\n\nThis webinar will highlight the use of telehealth methods for treating selective mutism in youth. A brief review of relevant recent findings related to the use of telehealth in youth across different disorders will be conducted\, followed by a discussion of the considerations one must take before implementing exposure via telehealth with youth. The preparation and implementation of exposures\, including case examples and discussion\, will be highlighted. Audience members will have an opportunity to ask questions about how to use telehealth to conduct particular exposures that may be relevant for moving treatment forward. \n\n\n\nLearning Objectives: \n\n\n\n\nIdentify two considerations for providing services remotely and highlight some of the associated challenges and/or improvements relative to traditional in-person care\n\n\n\nList three ways to incorporate telehealth in conducting exposures with youth with selective mutism\n\n\n\nDiscuss advantages and disadvantages of telehealth services for youth with selective mutism\n\n\n\nIdentify two recent research findings to support the use of telehealth services with families\n\n\n\nImplement two strategies to help prepare for exposures via telehealth with youth with selective mutism\n\n\n\n\nSpeaker: Jami Furr\, PhD \n\n\n\nDr. Jami Furr is a Clinical Associate Professor and Senior Psychologist in the Mental Health Interventions and Novel Therapeutics (MINT) Program\, and Developer of the Selective Mutism Program at Florida International University Center for Children and Families (CCF). Dr. Furr obtained her doctorate in clinical psychology from Temple University\, and completed her clinical internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the NYU Child Study Center and Bellevue Hospital Program in New York. Dr. Furr currently serves as a Trainer for the Network for Expanding Child Wellness in Disaster-Affected Youth (or NEW DAY) – a SAMHSA-funded and National Child Traumatic Stress Network affiliated program providing largescale training and consultation in disaster mental health to youth-serving professionals in disaster-hit regions and disaster-prone regions across the United States. Dr. Furr has extensive clinical expertise and research interests in cognitive and behavioral treatments of childhood anxiety and disruptive behavior disorders\, with a particular focus on preschool mental health.  She has served as the Clinical Director of several federally funded randomized trials evaluating the acceptability and utility of telehealth strategies for expanding the scope and reach of mental health care; and currently provides training and supervision for clinical services for anxiety\, OCD\, and/or disruptive behavior problems for children and adolescents. Dr. Furr also has led the field of selective mutism in youth regarding clinical and research programs. She is the Past-President of the Selective Mutism Association and has continued to serve on their Board of Directors for the last 7 years. Dr. Furr is currently conducting one of the first long-term outcome studies on children with selective mutism. She has numerous publications and conducts trainings locally and nationally in the areas of trauma\, anxiety\, and selective mutism in youth. In 2019\, Dr. Furr was the recipient of the Anne Marie Albano Early Career Award for the Integration of Science and Practice from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) and the Florida International University College of Arts\, Sciences\, and Education Award for Research. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-using-telehealth-for-selective-mutism-treatment-expanding-on-lessons-learned-through-research-and-practice/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250528T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250528T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250108T194210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T194212Z UID:10001746-1748462400-1748466000@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/XO4C-AkQTyejN6kEv0TlXA \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-27/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250612T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250608T084846Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250612T163441Z UID:10006556-1749758400-1749762000@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar School Is Out But Progress Does Not Need To Pause: Empowering Kids with Selective Mutism Over the Summer DESCRIPTION:This webinar will provide practical strategies for continuing social growth through the summer months. \n\n\n\nFor more information and to register: \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zSIVPEkzSduwc_ZpualGSQ#/registration URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-school-is-out-but-progress-does-not-need-to-pause-empowering-kids-with-selective-mutism-over-the-summer/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250626T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250108T194319Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250108T194321Z UID:10001747-1750968000-1750971600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/9_J9QIGtQyO4aU5C6hbBaQ \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-28/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250724T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250724T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250630T002915Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T023809Z UID:10006557-1753387200-1753390800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/H5o9eDKeTru6s0DO35X3Fg#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-29/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250820T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250630T003027Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T023933Z UID:10006558-1755720000-1755723600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/etkkIWZwSK-7s8dCyzcAPQ#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-30/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250821T200000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250731T192844Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250731T192847Z UID:10006563-1755802800-1755806400@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar Speaking Up: School-Based Exposures for Selective Mutism DESCRIPTION:Go here for more information and to registerhttps://selectivemutismassociation.ce-go.com/speaking-up-school-based-exposures-for-selective-mutism \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Brittany Bice-Urbach\, Associate Professor and Clinical Psychologist \n\n\n\nThis webinar will emphasize intervention strategies when directly implementing school-based exposures for children with selective mutism. This session will specifically focus on both developing and implementing exposure practices in school environments. The session will provide participants with a) tools for gathering data about a child’s current speaking comforts in the school environment\, b) planning forms to help school teams develop concrete intervention plans\, c) examples of creative school-based exposure practices at 3 levels of communication (i.e.\, nonverbal\, communicating with a few individuals in the building\, higher level speaking)\, d) ideas for efficient progress monitoring\, and e) problem-solving through common barriers within exposure practice. Participants will leave with concrete recommendations and resources to successfully support exposure practice for children with selective mutism as they build their comfort to communicate in school settings. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-speaking-up-school-based-exposures-for-selective-mutism/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20250917T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250630T003214Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250630T024150Z UID:10006559-1758139200-1758142800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Register here \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/4ZUxHdfNQZ2vBAOZpmhDWw#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-31/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251003T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251004T170000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250307T202631Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T155452Z UID:10003329-1759478400-1759597200@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Selective Mutism Association International Annual Conference 2025 DESCRIPTION:Register Now \n\n\n\nAgenda \n\n\n\nConference Flyer \n\n\n\nPlease note all conference times are in Eastern Time. \n\n\n\nLive Virtual Conference \n\n\n\nConference Information: \n\n\n\nThe Selective Mutism Association’s annual conference will be on Friday\, October 3 (half day) and October 4\, 2025 and will be held in a fully-virtual format. This online approach allows us to continue to offer innovative\, meaningful content\, to share advances in the assessment and treatment of SM\, and to connect with a wider audience of participants from across the world. Please note: SMA plans to alternate in-person and virtual conferences. We are also pleased to announce that we are continuing our dedicated track of content intended for individuals with SM (ages 17 and up).  It will be a wonderful time of gathering for the selective mutism community to learn the latest in evidence-based information\, support one another and connect our community! We hope you can join us! \n\n\n\nAll sessions will be recorded and available for later viewing (until December 31\, 2025) for those who register for the conference. Although we hope you can attend the conference live\, if you cannot do that\, you can watch all sessions later at your convenience. For professionals wishing to obtain continuing education credits\, please note that these credits can only be obtained if you attend live conference sessions–you can not watch recorded sessions and obtain continuing education credits. \n\n\n\nTarget Audience: \n\n\n\nThe target audience includes parents and relatives of individuals with selective mutism\, mental health professionals\, speech and language pathologists\, other allied health professionals\, educators\, and individuals with SM (ages 17 and up.) \n\n\n\nSpecial Note to all Individuals with SM: \n\n\n\nSMA recognizes that resources for older individuals who have SM are scarce and thus\, for individuals with SM (ages 17 and older)\, SMA will be offering the Individuals with SM track for FREE! Please see the agenda for presentations offered for this track. \n\n\n\nIndividuals with SM (geared toward ages 17 and older) may register for this track for free on our registration page. Please note that those that choose this option will only have access to the Individual Track presentations as well as other general sessions offered for the day. Individuals who register for this track will not have access to the professional and caregiver-friendly tracks. For those registrants who would like access to all talks\, you will need to register for the entire conference. \n\n\n\nKeynote Address \n\n\n\nThe Nature and Management of Social Anxiety in Youth\, Ron Rapee\, Ph.D.\, Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Macquarie University\, Australia \n\n\n\nBiography \n\n\n\nRon Rapee is Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Macquarie University where he was the Founding Director of the Centre for Emotional Health. Professor Rapee’s research specializes in mental health\, especially in anxiety and related disorders across the lifespan. He has created models of the development of mental disorders and has used these theories to produce evidence-based treatment programs. One of his best known programs\, Cool Kids\, is used in over 25 countries and translated into more than a dozen languages. Currently\, Professor Rapee has been engaged by the Australian Department of Education to develop a tool to identify students across all Australian schools who may be struggling with their mental health. Professor Rapee has been honoured by awards from both scientific and consumer groups\, including the Distinguished Career Award from the Australian Association for CBT and the Distinguished Contribution to Science Award from the Australian Psychological Society. He was awarded an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellowship in 2015 and was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2012 for his contributions to clinical psychology\, especially among young people. \n\n\n\nDate and Location \n\n\n\nThe online live virtual conference will begin on Friday\, October 3\, 2025  (early afternoon ET) and conclude on Saturday (early evening ET)\, October 4. Specific start and end times are noted on the agenda. All times will be in Eastern Time.  This conference will be conducted live (no prerecorded sessions); however\, talks will be recorded and available for later viewing for a limited amount of time. \n\n\n\nConference Offers Professional\, Caregiver\, Individuals with SM (Ages 17 and up) Track \n\n\n\nThe conference will offer presentations for professionals\, parents/family\, and individuals with SM\, but any person can attend any session that interests them. All registrants will have a choice of different presentations to attend. In addition to these sessions\, we will offer an Expert Q&A panel and a Hear Our Voices panel where people talk about their lives and recovery from SM. \n\n\n\nConnection Hour \n\n\n\nA Mix ‘n Mingle is planned Friday evening to allow for people to interact and talk with one another. Break out rooms will be set up for different communities and we hope you can join us! Stay tuned for more information. \n\n\n\nContinuing Education \n\n\n\nThe SMA conference will seek to be approved to offer continuing education credits. Please see registration page for details on approvals. \n\n\n\nScholarships \n\n\n\nWe are excited to offer a limited number of need-based scholarships for the upcoming SMA conference. \n\n\n\nWe are offering 2 types of scholarships: \n\n\n\n\nCaregivers:https://forms.gle/gcrdUcitFcEWY8qo9\n\n\n\nBIPOC Professionals or Professionals who serve the underrepresented/BIPOC community:https://forms.gle/cTHVf5f8L9y1hypQ8\n\n\n\n\nIf interested and in need\, please complete the google form for the specific type of scholarship. As part of the form\, you will be required to give a statement of need as well as answer a few other questions related to each scholarship. \n\n\n\nPlease note: All scholarship submissions must be received by midnight ET on August 17\, 2025. Eligible participants will be entered into a drawing\, from which scholarship recipients will be selected. All recipients of the scholarships\, as well as all who submitted\, will be notified of their application status by September 1\, 2025. Please do not register separately until you have been notified by SMA. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/selective-mutism-association-annual-conference-2025/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251113T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20250922T175410Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250922T175413Z UID:10006610-1763064000-1763067600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Registerhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/-UdnYZv5S92iKasPryJYZg#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. This meeting will be held in English. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-32/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20251120T203000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20251106T194146Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251107T203437Z UID:10006623-1763667000-1763670600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar Navigating the Holidays with Selective Mutism: Strategies for Success DESCRIPTION:Live webinar with Q&A!Presented by Jennifer Brittingham\, LPC \n\n\n\nThis webinar is geared toward parents and caregivers\, however treating professionals may also find value! \n\n\n\nClick here to register: \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cXNbfQ9iSj6vIHihi_1FCg \n\n\n\nDescription: \n\n\n\nThe holiday season brings joy\, excitement\, and many opportunities for connection but for children with Selective Mutism\, the increase in social expectations can also bring added stress and challenges. Join Selective Mutism professional and School Consultant Jennifer Brittingham\, LPC\, of the SMart Center\, to learn evidence-based strategies and tips to help your child feel more comfortable\, confident\, and engaged this holiday season. \n\n\n\nYou’ll walk away with practical tools to support communication progress\, reduce anxiety\, and make the holidays a more enjoyable experience for your entire family. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Jennifer Brittingham\, LPC \n\n\n\nJennifer Brittingham is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) who completed her Masters degree in the Clinical Counseling Psychology Program at Arcadia University. Jennifer has been a team member of the SMart Center since 2005. She conducts S-CAT® Program evaluations and treatment to families\, S-CAT® Parent coaching and training sessions to families across the country and abroad. She provides school consultation and training to school districts and other organizations both on-site and via web workshops. Jen is a lead clinician and speaker during all-day parent education at CommuniCamp. \n\n\n\nJennifer graduated from Arcadia University with her M.A. in Clinical Counseling Psychology in 2008 and was a Pennsylvania Counseling Association Graduate Leader from 2007 to 2008. Prior to her work at the SMart Center\, Jennifer has worked as a case manager for children with intellectual disabilities\, elementary school special education resource assistant\, and as both a college counselor\, as well as a college drug and alcohol counselor and support group leader. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is brought to you by the Selective Mutism Association and was made possible by a generous grant from the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation\, Inc. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-navigating-the-holidays-with-selective-mutism-strategies-for-success/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260121T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20251216T172913Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T172928Z UID:10006630-1769025600-1769029200@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Registrationhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/SZln7PNTTCyNqKCphUF2JQ#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. \n\n\n\nThis meeting will be held in English URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-33/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20260221T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20260222T170000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20251216T174527Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T174530Z UID:10006636-1771664400-1771779600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Selective Mutism Training Institute for Professionals DESCRIPTION:To see the agenda\, to register\, and for more informationhttps://selectivemutismassociation.ce-go.com/selective-mutism-training-institute-for-professionals-05-12-2025-376/agenda \n\n\n\nThe Selective Mutism Training Institute (SMTI) is an in-depth 2-day training course for professionals working with children diagnosed with selective mutism (SM). The workshop is intensive\, and skills-based with the goal of increasing competence in providing empirically-supported treatment of SM to professionals with beginner and intermediate exposure and skills in assessing and treating SM. We maintain a high instructor to participant ratio to ensure adequate time for modeling and video role-play of the skills. \n\n\n\nThis is a unique opportunity for mental health professionals\, speech-language professionals and graduate-level trainees to learn cutting-edge\, innovative techniques to effectively treat children with SM. Small group\, video consultation with the course instructors following the 2-day training is included in the cost\, allowing participants to further apply the skills in their own unique clinical settings. \n\n\n\nThe workshop starts with providing a framework for understanding the etiology of SM\, highlighting the role of nature\, nurture\, temperament\, and developmental differences in the onset and maintenance of SM\, social anxiety\, and other common comorbidities. Strategies for behavioral\, developmental\, and language assessment will be reviewed\, including how to conduct observations of children with SM. Evidence-based interventions will be covered in depth\, including behavioral strategies such as stimulus fading\, shaping\, positive reinforcement\, and parent education/coaching. State-of-the-science interventions\, such as intensive treatments\, group-based interventions\, and school consultation will also be taught. Speech and language conceptualization\, assessment\, and interventions will also be reviewed.  \n\n\n\nPlease note: At this time\, this training is only offered in English. SMA is not able to offer translation services. Registration is limited to 30 registrants. Any cancellations made prior to January 24\, 2025 will receive a full refund less a $40 processing fee. No refunds will be given after January 24\, 2025. \n\n\n\nEarn up to 11 CE Credits URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/selective-mutism-training-institute-for-professionals-4/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062804 CREATED:20251216T173054Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T173057Z UID:10006631-1772049600-1772053200@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Registrationhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/DW5Eo_H3RdqOJq9tsyb5mA#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. \n\n\n\nThis meeting will be held in English URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-34/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260325T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062805 CREATED:20251216T173234Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T173237Z UID:10006632-1774468800-1774472400@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Registrationhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/MuwdLeGhTu2lw4O95BX2EA#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. \n\n\n\nThis meeting will be held in English URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-35/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260326T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062805 CREATED:20260313T023141Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T192300Z UID:10006735-1774555200-1774558800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar From Final Bell to First Day: Practical Home and School Strategies for Supporting a Strong Finish in Spring and Smooth Start in Fall for Children with Selective Mutism DESCRIPTION:Live Webinar with Q & A! Registration is free!Speaker: Brittany Bice-Urbach\, PhD \n\n\n\nThis webinar is geared toward parents and caregivers\, but school staff and treating professionals may also find value. \n\n\n\nFor more information and to register\, click here: \n\n\n\nhttps://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KXPSOl1GRXqz97I48tOrHw \n\n\n\nDescription: \n\n\n\nFor individuals and families of a child with Selective Mutism\, the end of the school year often comes with mixed emotions including celebration of the growth made over the school year\, concern about possible summer regressions\, and worry about transitioning to a new teacher/classroom. This webinar will target specific strategies and practice ideas for ending the current school year positively while preparing for the transition to a new year. The webinar will focus on a) highlighting higher-level speaking practice that may be feasible as communication comfort has grown throughout the year\, b) creative strategies for acknowledging growth\, c) recommendations for conversations with school teams around early transition supports\, d) ideas for useful summer exposures\, and e) considerations in the weeks prior to the start of a new school year. Families should leave with new ideas and strategies to enhance end-of-year services and feel more prepared for transitioning into the new school year. \n\n\n\nSpeakers: \n\n\n\nBrittany Bice-Urbach\, PhD \n\n\n\nDr. Bice-Urbach is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatrics at the Medical College of Wisconsin and has been working as a clinical psychologist at the Child Development Center\, a developmental clinic through Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin\, in the School Performance Program. She completed her graduate training at the University of Wisconsin-Madison School Psychology Program\, her internship at Illinois State University’s Psychological Services Center\, and her Post-Doctoral fellowship at Connections Day School\, a therapeutic day school in Illinois. Dr. Bice-Urbach has a specialty in best practices in providing telebehavioral health services. She was involved with a team of providers in developing training materials for the recent and rapid transition to telebehavioral health at Children’s Wisconsin in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and has contributed a book chapter regarding practical considerations in providing teleconsultation services. Dr. Bice-Urbach also has a clinical specialty in treating children and adolescents with anxiety disorders through cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with a primary focus on treating children with Selective Mutism. At the Child Development Center\, she has been offering assessment\, individual therapy\, and family/school consultation and training to support children with Selective Mutism. She has participated in the Selective Mutism Training Institute and given several national presentations at the National Association for School Psychologists Annual Convention on the topic of addressing symptoms of Selective Mutism in a school setting. She also has prioritized trainings for medical facilities and pediatricians on detecting symptoms of Selective Mutism and supporting children and their families through the journey in finding appropriate resources. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is brought to you by the Selective Mutism Association and was made possible by a generous grant from the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation\, Inc. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-from-final-bell-to-first-day-practical-home-and-school-strategies-for-supporting-a-strong-finish-in-spring-and-smooth-start-in-fall-for-children-with-selective-mutism/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062805 CREATED:20251216T173335Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251216T173337Z UID:10006633-1776888000-1776891600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:SMA Virtual Parent Support Group Meeting DESCRIPTION:Registrationhttps://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/VQV8SKoHTQmzUbLMmFBVaQ#/registration \n\n\n\nMembers from across the country will come together to share stories\, offer advice and connect with other parents who understand both the challenges and rewards of raising a child with SM. \n\n\n\nIn order to keep the group intimate and allow time for everyone to share\, space will be limited. SMA plans to hold parent support group meetings on an ongoing basis\, so stay tuned for future opportunities to participate. \n\n\n\nThis group is for support only. Clinical advice will not be provided\, and this group is not intended to diagnose selective mutism or serve as a replacement for treatment with a qualified professional. \n\n\n\nThis meeting will be held in English URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/sma-virtual-parent-support-group-meeting-36/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062805 CREATED:20260414T180636Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T180640Z UID:10006742-1778184000-1778187600@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar Beyond Responding: Bridging the Gap to Social Communication Development in Selective Mutism DESCRIPTION:Live Webinar with Q & A! \n\n\n\nGeneral registration is free! CE registration is $20 \n\n\n\nSpeaker: Kristin Mathis\, MS\, CCC-SLP \n\n\n\nThis webinar is intended for clinicians\, psychologists\, social workers\, counselors and school psychologists. \n\n\n\nFor more information and to register\, click here: \n\n\n\nhttps://selectivemutismassociation.ce-go.com/beyond-responding-bridging-the-gap-to-social-communication-development-in-selective-mutism \n\n\n\nDescription: \n\n\n\nIn the treatment of individuals with Selective Mutism (SM)\, evidence-based strategies have been proven to help individuals reduce anxiety and begin using their voices to respond to others’ communication initiations. However\, once a child gains confidence in responding\, many professionals feel less equipped to bridge the gap between responding and engaging in meaningful\, reciprocal conversation. \n\n\n\nThis webinar will address this critical treatment gap by highlighting the role of social (pragmatic) language therapy. Through a multidisciplinary lens—including collaboration between mental health professionals and speech-language pathologists—participants will learn when and how to introduce pragmatic language strategies to support continued communication growth. \n\n\n\nAttendees will gain a deeper understanding of pragmatic language development\, with emphasis on a developmental hierarchy of skills that moves individuals from simple verbal responses to more complex social communication. Practical strategies will be presented to support expanding beyond yes/no responses\, incorporating “why” to build self-advocacy\, and developing skills to begin engaging in conversations with others. Participants will leave with actionable tools to support individuals with SM in navigating their social worlds with increased independence and confidence across settings. \n\n\n\nLearning Objectives: \n\n\n\n• Learners will be able to define social (pragmatic) language therapy and explain its role in supporting individuals with Selective Mutism in progressing from answering questions to engaging in conversation. \n\n\n\n• Learners will be able to demonstrate understanding of when it is appropriate to begin implementing social (pragmatic) language strategies within an evidence-based framework (e.g.\, PCIT-SM). \n\n\n\n• Learners will be able to identify at least two components of a hierarchical sequence when targeting social (pragmatic) language skills in individuals with Selective Mutism. \n\n\n\n• Learners will be able to identify and describe at least two strategies to expand communication beyond yes/no responses\, including incorporating “why” to support the development of self-advocacy skills. \n\n\n\n• Learners will be able to state at least two strategies to support individuals with Selective Mutism in initiating and maintaining social conversations. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: \n\n\n\nKristin Mathis\, MS\, CCC-SLP \n\n\n\nKristin is a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist with more than 27 years of experience helping children strengthen communication and social skills across private practice\, school\, and pediatric rehabilitation settings. Since joining Child & Family Therapy Collective (CFTC) in 2025\, she has deepened her expertise through specialized training in the Parent-Child Interaction Therapy/Selective Mutism (PCIT/SM) model. At CFTC\, Kristin integrates speech-language therapy with evidence-based anxiety treatments\, working collaboratively with families and a multidisciplinary team to help children build brave talking behaviors\, reduce avoidance\, and grow in confidence. \n\n\n\nDriven by more than a decade specializing in Selective Mutism\, Kristin blends her background in social-pragmatic communication\, Autism Spectrum Disorder\, ADHD\, and sensory processing differences to create meaningful and developmentally appropriate interventions. She plays a key role in developing structured peer groups at CFTC that foster social confidence\, communication skills\, and emotional regulation within a supportive\, collaborative environment. \n\n\n\nKristin currently serves as Tennessee’s State Coordinator for the Selective Mutism Association\, where she advocates for greater awareness and access to evidence-based SM treatment. A sought-after presenter and trainer\, she regularly provides professional development to educators and clinicians on the intersection of anxiety and communication. Licensed in Tennessee and Kentucky\, Kristin considers it a privilege to partner with families in helping children find their voice and reclaim the joy of childhood through compassionate\, research-driven care. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is brought to you by the Selective Mutism Association and was made possible by a generous grant from the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation\, Inc. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-beyond-responding-bridging-the-gap-to-social-communication-development-in-selective-mutism/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260813T200000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260813T210000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062805 CREATED:20260618T192438Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260621T202059Z UID:10006876-1786651200-1786654800@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Webinar How to Bounce Back After a "Mistake" When Working with Children with Selective Mutism DESCRIPTION:Live Webinar with Q & A!Free registration! \n\n\n\nSpeaker:Adelia Sabintsev\, Psy.D. \n\n\n\nWhile this webinar is primarily geared toward families\, parents and caregivers; treating professionals will also find value. All are welcome! \n\n\n\nFor more information and to register\, click here:https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_PvP8u9mhT7iALSnx5vZdDg \n\n\n\nWhen supporting children with Selective Mutism\, many parents\, educators\, and professionals feel pressure to “do it right.” Concerns about asking too much\, moving too quickly\, or making a mistake can sometimes lead adults to hesitate or avoid creating communication opportunities altogether. \n\n\n\nThis webinar will focus on one of the most important and often overlooked skills in Selective Mutism treatment: learning how to recover when interactions don’t go as planned. Participants will review the communication ladder and learn how to identify a child’s current level\, choose achievable next steps\, adjust expectations in the moment\, and modify communication demands when a task is too difficult. \n\n\n\nThrough practical examples\, we will discuss common challenges\, including what to do when a child shuts down\, a question is too difficult\, a verbal interaction stalls\, or an exposure becomes overwhelming. Participants will learn strategies for reducing demands\, while continuing to support communication and confidence. \n\n\n\nA key takeaway from this presentation is that supporting children with Selective Mutism does not require perfection. In fact\, mistakes and challenging moments are an expected part of the intervention process. Learning how to recognize when an interaction is not working and confidently adjust course is an essential skill for both parents and professionals. By responding flexibly to these moments\, adults can create more opportunities for communication\, confidence\, and growth. \n\n\n\nSpeaker: \n\n\n\nAdelia Sabintsev\, Psy.D. \n\n\n\nDr. Adelia Sabintsev is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Director of Doctor Adelia\, LLC\, a private practice based in Baltimore\, Maryland. She has over 15 years of experience providing evidence-based treatment to children and families struggling with anxiety disorders\, including Selective Mutism\, Separation Anxiety\, Social Anxiety\, and Specific Phobias. \n\n\n\nDr. Sabintsev is extensively trained in evidence-based treatments\, including Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). She is certified in Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Adapted for Selective Mutism (PCIT-SM). She completed advanced training and consultation with Dr. Steven Kurtz\, the developer of PCIT-SM\, an empirically supported treatment for Selective Mutism. Currently\, there are fewer than 100 certified PCIT-SM clinicians worldwide. \n\n\n\nDr. Sabintsev provides treatment through individual therapy\, parent coaching\, intensive interventions\, and skills-based group programs. In 2023\, she launched CUB (Confident\, Unique\, Brave) Kids Groups\, which teach children and parents evidence-based strategies to build confidence\, increase verbal engagement\, and reduce anxiety through structured practice in fun\, supportive environments. \n\n\n\nIn addition to her private practice work\, Dr. Sabintsev serves on the lead clinical team at Confident Kids Camp in Rockville\, Maryland\, an intensive summer treatment program for children with Selective Mutism. For the past six years\, she has also worked as a teacher in a younger classroom at the camp\, where she has supervised and trained dozens of graduate students and professionals in PCIT-SM strategies. \n\n\n\nThis webinar is brought to you by the Selective Mutism Association and was made possible by a generous grant from the Gordon and Marilyn Macklin Foundation\, Inc. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/webinar-how-to-bounce-back-after-a-mistake-when-working-with-children-with-selective-mutism/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260925T080000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260926T170000 DTSTAMP:20260823T062805 CREATED:20260305T190550Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260820T213824Z UID:10006732-1790323200-1790442000@www.selectivemutism.org SUMMARY:Selective Mutism Association Annual Conference 2026 DESCRIPTION:View the autosave \n\n\n\n\n\n\nMore Information and Registration\n\n\n\nAgenda (Boston Face-to-Face)\n\n\n\nRecorded Bundle Agenda for Caregivers/Professionals\n\n\n\nRecorded Bundle Agenda for Individuals with SM\n\n\n\n\n\n\nConference Information \n\n\n\nThe Selective Mutism Association’s annual conference will be on Friday\, September 25 (full day) and Saturday\, September 26 (half day) this year in lively\, historic\, Boston\, MA! The SMA conference is cosponsored by the Boston Child Study Center and Boston University CARD Center. We hope you can join us in person to connect with our community! It will be a wonderful time of gathering to learn the latest in evidence-based information\, support one another\, and connect with parents and professionals. While we hope you will be able to join us in person\, for those who are unable to join us in Boston\, SMA will offer a limited recorded bundle of conference presentations for purchase. The 2026 conference will offer the following registration options: \n\n\n\nIn-Person Conference(Please note: everyone is welcome to attend in person; however\, there is no specific live programming geared toward Individuals who currently have SM at the in-person conference)Attend full one-and-a-half day conference of live presentations for professionals and caregiversNetwork with other professionals and families at the Mix n’Mingle Connection time on Friday eveningExplore current research on SM and interact with researchers at poster presentationsEarn Continuing Education for approved sessions for both professional and caregiver tracksListen to live “Hear Our Voices” panel of individuals recovering from SM with Q&ABring questions to live panel of experts in the field of SM with Q&ALimited Conference Recording Bundle for caregivers/professionalsA limited selection of pre-determined sessions will be recorded and offered virtually directly after the conferenceEarn continuing education for approved recorded sessionsSession titles and descriptionsRecordings will be released after the conference and will be available until January 31\, 2027.Recording Bundle for Individuals with Selective Mutism (ages 17 and older)Sessions will be recorded and offered virtually after the conference (geared toward ages 17 and older). Please note that sessions for this track will NOT be offered in person at the conference.Registration is free for this track.Those that choose this registration option will only have access to the Individual Track presentations.Sessions titles and descriptions offered will be released in June 2026.Recordings will be released after the conference and will be available until January 31\, 2027.\n\n\n\nKeynote Address: Practical Approaches to Treating Youth Anxiety: Bridging Research and Treatment\, Philip C. Kendall\, Ph.D.\, ABPP \n\n\n\nPhilip C. Kendall\, PhD\, ABPP was raised in Merrick\, New York and currently resides in Ardmore\, Pennsylvania where he and his deceased spouse\, Sue\, raised the two sons\, Mark and Reed. Dr. Kendall is an avid NY Times crossword puzzler and plays basketball twice a week. He enjoys yardwork and the opportunity to spend time in the ocean and with his family. \n\n\n\nPhil’s undergraduate education was completed at Old Dominion University and his doctorate in clinical psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Kendall interned at the Palo Alto VA hospital. In 1977 he took his first academic appointment in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota. Phil relocated to Direct the Clinical Program at Temple University\, in Philadelphia. Soon after relocating to Temple Phil opened the Child and Adolescent Anxiety Disorders Clinic (CAADC)\, which has been in operation as a research-clinical service for 40 years. \n\n\n\nDr. Kendall is currently Distinguished University Professor at Temple University and Laura H. Carnell Professor of Psychology and Neuroscience at Temple University. His CV includes over 25 books\, treatment manuals and workbooks\, and with over 800 scholarly publications\, most in our field’s leading journals. Throughout his work\, Phil has applied rigorous experimental designs\, and with his prolific scholarly writing on clinical research methodology\, he has elevated the work of other psychologists seeking to evaluate treatment methods. \n\n\n\nOne of his treatment programs (e.g.\, Coping Cat) has been translated into numerous languages. Phil was among the very first to emphasize and articulate the critical importance of applying developmental science to treatment development\, and to ensure clinical methods were compatible with children’s cognitive and socio-emotional competencies. After other scholars reviewed the literature\, Coping Cat was subsequently given the elite designation of an “empirically supported treatment.” \n\n\n\nDr. Kendall has had over 35 years of uninterrupted grant support from various agencies (e.g.\, NIMH; NICHD; MacArthur). He placed among an elite handful of the “Most Highly-Cited” individuals in all of the social and medical sciences (top 1%). His recent H Index is 163. \n\n\n\nDr. Kendall has garnered numerous awards. He won the inaugural Research Recognition Award from the Anxiety Disorders Association of America\, was awarded the Aaron T. Beck Award for “Significant and Enduring Contributions\,” and was honored by the Society for the Science of Clinical Psychology with their Lawrence H. Cohen Outstanding Mentor Award\, both in 2019. He was honored by ABCT\, an association in which he has been active his entire career\, with their Career/Lifetime Achievement Award and by APA with the 2025 Award for Distinguished Scientific Applications of Psychology. \n\n\n\nDr. Kendall is a clinical scientist\, teacher/mentor\, and leader. He is known for encouraging rigorous methodology (studies with “methodological niceties”)\, creative and integrative approaches to mental health services (e.g.\, the use of youth workbooks as part of mental health services)\, and commitment to graduate mentoring (proud of his many former graduate students who have gone forth and done great work). An active folder on his desktop is a list of former students and their current affiliation. \n\n\n\nDate and Location \n\n\n\nHilton Boston Park Plaza50 Park PlazaBoston\, MA 02116(617) 426-2000 \n\n\n\nConference Offers Professional\, Caregiver\, and Individuals with SM (Ages 17 and up) Tracks \n\n\n\nThe conference will offer presentations for professionals\, parents/family\, and individuals with SM. Please note that presentations for Individuals with SM (Ages 17 and up) will only occur in a pre-recorded format and will be available virtually (not at the in-person conference.) For those that attend the in-person conference\, registrants can attend any session that interests them. In addition\, all in-person conference registrants will attend the keynote address\, Expert Q&A\, and a Hear Our Voices panel where people talk about their lives and recovery from SM. There will be opportunities for parents and professionals to meet and visit\, and books will be available for viewing and direct purchase via Amazon. A light breakfast will be included. \n\n\n\nMix n’Mingle Connection Time \n\n\n\nPlease join us for a Mix ‘n Mingle right after the last conference session on Friday in the early evening to interact and talk with other attendees. In addition\, poster presenters will present their work during this time and would love to talk with you! Stay tuned for more information. \n\n\n\nContinuing Education \n\n\n\nPlease stay tuned for further information on Continuing Education credits that will be offered. Information will be added to the conference registration pages as it becomes available. \n\n\n\nSpecial Note to all Individuals with SM: \n\n\n\nSMA recognizes that resources for older individuals who have SM are scarce and thus\, for individuals with SM (ages 17 and older)\, SMA will continue to offer the Individuals with SM track for FREE! Session titles and descriptions will be released in June 2026. This track will only be offered in a recording format\, not a face-to-face format. Recordings will be available until January 31\, 2027. Continuing education will not be offered for this track. Please note\, that individuals who register for this track will not have access to the professional and caregiver-friendly tracks that are offered virtually. For those registrants who would like access to the professional/caregiver-friendly virtual option\, you will need to register for that bundle as well. \n\n\n\nHotel Options \n\n\n\nWe encourage you to make your hotel reservations as early as possible in order to get the lowest rates and best availability. Boston is a very busy city in the fall\, and room rates will rise as the conference date approaches. There are many hotels in the downtown Boston\, airport and other surrounding areas. \n\n\n\nOur host hotel\, the Hilton Boston Park Plaza\, is offering a discounted room rate. This discounted rate ranges between $319 and $349 per night. \n\n\n\nTo obtain the discounted rate\, please call the hotel at 617.457.2290 and request the group rate under code 989. Alternatively\, please reserve your discounted room using this room booking link: https://book.passkey.com/e/51222305. Both standard and “Wicked Small” rooms are located on this link. Please note that the “Wicked Small” rooms are small rooms (approximately 150 to 180 sq. ft) at the most discounted price. \n\n\n\nScholarships AvailableWe are excited to offer a limited number of need-based scholarships for the upcoming SMA conference. We are offering 2 types of scholarships: \n\n\n\nCaregivers/Individuals with SM (who would like to attend in-person)https://forms.gle/LcJkPsA6ARCtitB68 \n\n\n\nBIPOC Professionals or Professionals who serve underrepresented/BIPOC communities:https://forms.gle/tuADfqm1RsiY4abE7 \n\n\n\nIf interested and in need\, please complete the form for the specific type of scholarship for which you would like to be considered. As part of the form you will be required to give a statement of need as well as answer several other questions related to the scholarship. \n\n\n\nPlease note: All scholarship submissions must be received by midnight ET on August 1\, 2026. Eligible participants will be entered into a drawing\, from which scholarship recipients will be selected. All recipients of the scholarships\, as well as all who submitted\, will be notified of their application status by August 10\, 2026. Please do not register for the conference until you have been notified by SMA about your scholarship status. \n\n\n\nScholarship recipients can chose either to attend the face-to-face conference in Boston\, or choose to apply their scholarship toward the purchase of the limited recording presentation bundle. \n\n\n\nPlease note: scholarship is for registration fees only. Travel fees are not included in scholarship award. \n\n\n\nSMA is intending to rotate in-person conferences with fully virtual conferences in the coming years. \n\n\n\nEmail conference inquiries to Lisa Kovac at info@selectivemutism.org. URL:https://www.selectivemutism.org/event/selective-mutism-association-international-annual-conference-2026/ CATEGORIES:Featured,Public Events END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR