Are you…

  • baffled by what may be wrong with your child?
  • frustrated that your child talks to kids in the neighborhood, but cannot talk at school?
  • a teacher who is confused why your student won’t respond to you verbally in class?
  • angry that your child won’t say “thanks” to Grandma for that new computer game?
  • overwhelmed with the thought of finding a treating professional who understands?
  • thrilled when your son smiles in the school program?
  • happy that your daughter speaks for the first time at her best friend’s house?
  • giddy when your daughter shouts “BINGO” in a game at school?
  • relieved when you find out what you’ve been experiencing actually has a name and that there is help out there?

Having a child with SM or working with one can be an emotional roller coaster! We know that and that is why SMA is here to help. The SMA Connections program consists of a nationwide and international support and information system. The purpose of the SMA Connections program is to provide support and accurate information to those dealing with SM. So whether you are a parent, a grandparent, a teacher, a pediatrician, a psychologist, a speech and language therapist or ANYONE who has a child with SM in your life, you’ve come to the right place.

How does the SMA Connections Program work?

SMA has a nationwide network of over 75 volunteer state contacts called State Coordinators. They are available in their respective states to provide in-person, e-mail or phone support, as well as guidance and resources. All of these people have either experienced SM with their own child or family member, with a student in their class, or with a patient in their office. These parents and professionals have themselves been through that roller coaster of emotion that goes along with SM. They have vowed “not to make others go through what I did.” There is often more than one contact in each state. Additionally, the SMA Connections program has an International Coordinator who can help coordinate these same services and resources for all inquiries outside of the domestic United States. To learn about a Coordinator in your area, click here. If you are interested in becoming a State Coordinator or International Coordinator, please contact our Connections Coordinator.