Selective Mutism in Teens! Come and learn with us.

We hope you've all had a pleasant week. Ours has certainly been a busy one!

In this edition we'd like to shed some light on Selective Mutism (sometimes referred to as 'Situational Mutism'.

What is selective mutism really?

Selective Mutism is considered to be a severe anxiety disorder in where an individual becomes unable to speak in certain social situations. However, describing it as an anxiety disorder doesn’t quite help understand the condition. It can be better described as a behaviour that occurs during a situation where an individual does not feel safe. Behaviour is communication, and in knowing that we can ask what the cause of this behaviour is.

Situational Mutism is a much more apt way to describe it. A situation triggers a freeze response where an individual loses the ability to communicate verbally.

It is NOT a conscious decision to not talk

It us NOT elective

It is a form of communication that needs are not met

It can be a TRAUMA response

Take a look at our resources below to learn more about 'Selective Mutism'.

Informational Videos

Take a look at a small selection of information videos from our very busy YouTube Channel...

Let's talk Selective Mutism with Libby Hill

Understanding Selective Mutism with Chrissa Wadlow

EHCPs for Selective Mutism

Upcoming Webinar with Libby Hill

By popular demand we are delighted that award winning speech and language therapist Libby Hill is returning to improve our awareness of how to support teenagers with Selective/Situational Mutism.

During this workshop we will take a closer look at selective mutism, and cover the following:

• How does Selective Mutism in teenagers present itself?
• Why the approaches used in the younger years don't work?
• How do we choose the right therapy and who's involved?
• Why access to education is impaired and how you can help
• Practical ways that we can help a young person with Selective Mutism
• Libby will also share her own ongoing research into this hugely important, but often misunderstood, presentation.

Book Here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/743526536887

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