Top Ways SMA Made a Difference in 2022

SMA continued to experience record growth in 2022, and we are so appreciative of your ongoing support and your commitment to help us spread awareness, educate and support those impacted by selective mutism. Your continued support matters greatly because we have big plans for 2023 to continue to serve our community. Here are some highlights from this year’s SMA programs and activities:

* We implemented a monthly virtual parent support group for SMA Members

• “Thank you for all you do! You have no idea the difference you are making in all our lives!” – feedback from a parent support group participant

* Our annual conference had record attendance, with 329 registrants from 23 countries, and tracks for professionals, caregivers, and individuals with SM. To provide more resources for individuals with SM directly, SMA offered free registration for the Individual track. 

• “I love the international participation and ability for more people to have access to the information without the added cost and time of travel” –conference registrant

* During SM Awareness month, we presented SM facts, tips, stories, and held Instagram Live sessions that had over 76,000 views!

* We offered 8 webinars and held two “Hear Our Voices” panels during which community members shared stories about their journey with and recovery from SM.

• “This presentation was both encouraging (as it reinforced strategies I have implemented) and empowering (as it laid out clear cut steps and supports to include in future treatment and collaboration). Thanks again for your time, dedication, and efforts to put this together and share it with others.” – webinar participant

* We trained 30 caregivers and 25 professionals in our interactive two-day virtual Selective Mutism Training Institute. 

*SMA’s global presence has grown with international participants present at many SMA events. SMA has translated key documents into Spanish and Portuguese, and is currently working on Hebrew, Chinese, and French translations

* In November, we exhibited at the National Association for the Education of Young Children, helping us reach over 650 early childhood educators, a key demographic.

• “I think my student has SM. I never put two and two together. Thank you so much for being here.” -NAEYC Registrant

• “I never knew there was this whole resource world—thank you for coming and talking about SM.” -NAEYC Registrant

We have many more projects underway for 2023, including plans to launch a virtual webcourse for educators, additional SMTI opportunities for caregivers, continued webinars, further translation of materials, the development of a Caregivers’ Toolkit, and the dissemination of more resources to guide pediatricians in recognizing and treating selective mutism.

With your generosity, SMA will continue to support individuals, families, and professionals impacted by selective mutism. Your donations help us continue to change lives, and we are grateful for you and your support.

Please make a donation today to support the Selective Mutism Association in these ongoing efforts. 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday season,

Dr. Rachel Merson, SMA President

Dr. Lisa Kovac, SMA Executive Director

Dr. Jami Furr, SMA Past President

and the SMA Board of Directors