“Cat got your tongue?”

“Don’t you know how to talk?”

“Why are you so shy?”

As a child, I heard those questions more times than I could count. I was a happy kid who loved to laugh, play, and chat at home with my family and friends. But the moment I walked into school, everything changed. My words, so easy and natural at home, suddenly disappeared. My anxiety took over, and no matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t speak.

Eventually, I was diagnosed with Selective Mutism, a rare anxiety disorder that causes a consistent inability to speak in certain social situations, like school, despite being able to talk comfortably in familiar settings.

Starting in kindergarten, I began working with a therapist and a child psychiatrist, who prescribed medication to help manage my anxiety. While those supports helped, it wasn’t until I began seeing a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) that things truly started to change.

My SLP taught me strategies to communicate in the classroom, even when I couldn’t get the words out. She was endlessly patient, positive, and encouraging, and that made all the difference. With her support, I gradually began to feel safe enough to use my voice outside of my home.

Her kindness and creativity left a lasting impression on me. I kept in touch with her for years and even had the chance to shadow her later on. Those experiences confirmed what I already knew deep down: I wanted to become a Speech-Language Pathologist too.

I learned from her that you don’t have to be perfect, wealthy, or brilliant to make a difference; you just have to care, listen, and use your strengths to help others.

My own journey through Selective Mutism shaped who I am today. It taught me empathy, resilience, and the importance of creating a safe, supportive space for communication. As an SLP, my goal is to do for others what my SLP did for me: to help children and adults find their voices, feel understood, and know that they are capable of amazing things.

Parents know their children best. If you ever feel that your child is struggling to communicate or seems anxious speaking in certain settings, trust your instincts. Taking that first step toward an evaluation with a professional can open the door to understanding and support. Early help can make a world of difference, and sometimes, that first step is all it takes to help your child begin finding their voice.