A Selective Mutism Boot Camp and Family Fun Day: The First of Its Kind!
JENKINTOWN, Pa., June 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Children suffering from the childhood anxiety disorder, Selective Mutism, as well as parents, siblings, and friends from across the US and internationally are invited to join national expert Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum and staff at a unique Selective Mutism Boot Camp and Family Fun Day! The camp will take place on July 18, 2015 in the northeast suburbs of Philadelphia at an established child's day camp from 9am to 6pm.
"This event is the first of its kind and most likely, the largest gathering of children/families affected by Selective Mutism in the world!" says Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum, President/Director of the Selective Mutism Anxiety Research and Treatment Center.
Suffering from a debilitating anxiety disorder, children with Selective Mutism (SM) cannot speak in social settings, such as school, although they can speak in an environment where they are comfortable, such as at home. For over 90% of these children, mutism is due to severe social anxiety. SM children typically demonstrate mutism in social settings as toddlers, but are assumed to be "just shy" or children can be misdiagnosed with autism, etc. The average age of diagnosis is between 3 - 8 years old. The problem is often recognized when the child enters school. Due to the scarcity of information available, some children go years without speaking in social settings, may be misdiagnosed, mismanaged and misunderstood. Some children may be unable to communicate even nonverbally, which is stressful for the child and perplexing to parents, teachers, and treating professionals. It is important to realize that with proper diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis for overcoming Selective Mutism is excellent, however, if left untreated may lead to years of suffering and social withdrawal and worsening anxiety, even depression.
The primary purpose of this intensive, but fun, one-day therapeutic camp is to provide a 'real camp' experience for families to learn hands-on treatment strategies, attend workshops, listen to parents/children who suffered from Selective Mutism share their stories, and be with others who understand in a comfortable, relaxed environment. In addition, families will enjoy an all day BBQ and have the opportunity to enjoy countless camp activities such as swimming, boating, hayrides, pony rides, face painting, basketball, mini-golf, tennis and more!
For more information, please view the camp details at http://www.selectivemutismcenter.org/events/SelectiveMutismCamp or contact our camp coordinator Marissa Irizarry at [email protected] or 215-886-6090 Ext. 106.
Video - http://youtu.be/ikQCBB51N7M
SOURCE Selective Mutism Anxiety Research and Treatment Center
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