Blog
SMA December Communication A Story of Hope: Austin’s Journey
December 2024
Dear SMA Community,
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with immense gratitude for all
the strides we’ve made in supporting individuals and families affected by
selective mutism (SM). Thanks to your generosity, 2024 has been a year of
growth, connection, and continued impact. But there is much more to be
done, and we need your help to continue our critical mission.
A Story of Hope: Austin’s Journey
When Austin was a child, he struggled with SM. Like so many others, he could speak freely at home but felt trapped by anxiety when asked to speak in social settings, including school. His family faced a journey of searching for answers, not knowing where to turn.
Thankfully, Austin’s family did not have to face these challenges alone. With
the help of the resources that SMA provides, Austin made incredible strides.
Today, he has overcome SM, written a book about his journey (Silent Sam),
spoken on a panel about overcoming SM and is now planning to study
psychology to help others do the same. Austin’s family has been able to give
back by connecting and supporting the SM community. Austin and his family’s
story is a testament to the power of early intervention, community, and the
work we all do to support it. It’s a reminder of what’s possible when we work
together. We need your help to support more families like Austin’s.
As we approach the end of the year, we are asking you to consider joining us
in this mission. Your tax-deductible donation, no matter the amount, will
help families like Austin’s continue to access resources to improve the lives of
those affected by SM.
“I’m so glad to know you exist! I’m seeing such an increase in SM. I’m
going to share this with all of my colleagues” -registrant at National
Association of School Psychologists annual conference.
Watch a short video from Austin Lee- A Story of Hope: Austin’s Journey.
2024 Highlights: Making Progress Together
First In-Person conference since Covid: We welcomed 120 in-person
registrants to Chicago, and an additional 92 registrants from around the
globe for our conference recordings.
Scholarships: SMA provided 18 training/conference scholarships to
families/professionals in financial need or who support underserved
communities.
Training: SMA trained 54 Educators, 27 professionals and 14 parents in
the treatment of SM.
Expanded Awareness: We developed a video that can be shared with
anyone—educators, coaches, pediatricians, or family members—helping
to spread awareness about this often-misunderstood condition. We also
exhibited at major conferences, including the National Association of
School Psychologists and the American Academy of Pediatrics, reaching
hundreds of pediatricians and school psychologists to educate them
about SM.
Help Us Continue Our Mission
By supporting SMA through donations, you are directly contributing to
- Training and Resources for parents, educators, and professionals
- Connecting Families to Treatment Providers who specialize in SM
- Providing Scholarships to ensure those in need can attend SMA
conferences and trainings - Expanding Our Awareness Campaigns to ensure that more people
understand and can recognize the signs of SM - Offering Peer Support through our support groups and professional
discussion forums
Together, we can make sure that those affected by SM receive the support
they need. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation today and know
that your generosity will directly impact someone’s journey, just like
Austin’s.
Thank you for being part of our community and supporting our mission.
Warmly,
Lisa Kovac, Ph.D., SMA Executive Director
Katelyn Reed, M.S., SMA President
