WeSpeak

WeSpeak is an internationally-recognized behavioral group intensive for tweens/teens with selective mutism (SM) that Dr. Shelley Avny developed in 2016 to meet the high demand for services for these older kids.

WeSpeak has changed the lives of youth and families worldwide.

The WeSpeak Program

Screen Shot 2020-10-26 at 8.27_edited.jpg

About

Simulated school based on the structure and expectations of middle- and high-schoolers; all activities target verbalizations with adults and peers that mirror the demands of this age group.

One-to-one mentor model builds continuous and individualized practice into engaging and real-world "school" and social activities.

Individualized goals are established prior to WeSpeak and adapted each day according to status and progress.

Activities Include

Advisory meetings.

Skill of the day (e.g., coping skill, social skill).

Academic or specials class (e.g., partner/group work, answering/asking questions, presenting).

Social exposures (e.g., typical hang-outs).

Parent Training

Parent training is provided to teach parents ways to help their kids carry the momentum forward after WeSpeak.

WeSpeak now includes three months of built-in follow-up services!

Designed to target the transfer and maintenance of gains in the home/school/community setting.

Includes monthly individual/family consultations, video group practices, and group parent trainings.

Next WeSpeak Session

Lead-ins: July 18-19, 2024
WeSpeak: July 22-26, 2024

Location: Princeton, NJ

Cost

$4000 for WeSpeak + 3-month follow-up
$500 for intake
$250/day for lead-ins

Schedule a free consultation about WeSpeak

We are committed to doing ongoing research to better understand how to best help youth with SM.

Watch The BBC Documentary

Harriet Shawcross, an award winning documentarian, spent a week with WeSpeak families and myself, to gain an understanding into selective mutism and this unique treatment intervention.

Gallery and Testimonials

"I have an awesome update about (my son). He is doing amazing. He got a job all by himself! He is really trying and doing well. He volunteered to teach a lesson in front of his peers! School started this week, it is always hard for him, but he has so many more tools and so much more confidence than before. Thank you so much! WeSpeak was a life changing moment for him!"

Parent of 16 year-old boy from Utah

"I can say with confidence that (he) is no longer suffering with SM! He is 100% verbal and full voice in all environments. We stayed the course and it paid off. He said to tell you “Thank you”. "

Parent of 11 year-old boy from Massachusetts

"Just a quick email to say thank you so much for the fantastic week we have just experienced. Firstly I would like to thank you for coming up with the programme - it was exactly what (he) was crying out for. I really wasn't sure what to expect from the WeSpeak program... but I'm so glad that we took the chance on it and I really feel that it will be life changing for (him) - I see a different child going home - I feel he now has fire in his belly to go and conquer his SM - I know he may still have a long road ahead of him but I feel he now has the tools and skills to navigate it himself.

(He) had so much fun this week - don't think he was expecting that. Your programme is genius and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coming up with it. You have such a great way with the kids and it is obvious that you care so much about your work."