There is so much that goes on physiologically when someone has Selective Mutism - there is a tightening the the throat, the inability to make eye contact, a frozen expression. And why is this? I believe it relates to the vagus nerve and the Polyvagal Theory. This podcast episode explores the PolyVagal Theory to help understand what may be happening when someone is unable to speak in certain situations. To connect on this topic, email smhelp2020@gmail.com For more information about the 2nd Annual Selective Mutism Foundation Annual conference, visit www.smhelp.org/smf-conference

It can be hard to know if we should be telling our kids about their SM diagnosis and even harder to know what to tell them. In this episode, hear different strategies parents can use when it comes to talking to their kids about their SM. Book List: www.smhelp.org/books Coaching Consultation: www.smhelp.org/coaching

Selective Mutism is not a well-known anxiety disorder. When people don't understand something, they may have a hard time believing in it. Our job as parents is to educate everyone who comes in contact with our child about SM, but to do it in a way where it is well received. In this episode, hear strategies that may help you educate your own family members about SM. For more information about Selective Mutism, go to www.smhelp.org To schedule your free 30-minute Coaching Consultation, go to www.smhelp.org/coaching For more information about the Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Online Summits, go to www.smhelp.org/free-summit

It can be very difficult for a child with Selective Mutism to smile in pictures. In this episode, you'll get tips on how to prepare your child for Picture Day at school. For information about Parent Coaching, visit www.smhelp.org/coaching To join the SM H.E.L.P. Community of Support on Facebook, go to https://www.facebook.com/groups/785133572938172

In this episode, you'll learn how important Parent Support Groups can be when you are on the journey of supporting your child in overcoming their Selective Mutism. Plus, you'll learn about a new Parent Support Group facilitated by Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. For more information about Parent Support Groups and to Register, visit www.smhelp.org/parent-support-groups. Don't forget, there will only be 6 spots available for each group, so make sure you register early!

In this episode you'll a recording of what was discussed about Exposure Therapy during the Spring 2021 Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Online Summit. You'll hear about different exposures that worked and didn't work as well as how to best utilize a play date. For more information about Parent Coaching, visit www.smhelp.org/parent-coaching For more information about Online Summit that Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. hosts, visit www.smhelp.org/free-summit

In this episode, I'm sending a message to all the parents that are going through the journey of supporting their child as they overcome Selective Mutism. If you are looking for support from a parent who has experience helping their own child with SM, please email smhelp2020@gmail.com

In this episode, you'll learn tips and strategies to help your child with SM transition from one grade level to the next and how to keep the momentum going throughout the summer.   For a video showing the schedule we used to keep a summer routine click HERE   For more information about Parent Coaching, click HERE   For information about the Spring 2022 Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Summit, click HERE

Learn about the invaluable information that has been shared in past Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Online Summits and how you can register for the next Free Summit happening May 20-24th, 2022. To register for the upcoming Summit, go to www.smhelp.org/free-summit

This is a special episode spoken directly to teens and young adults with Selective Mutism. This episode's goal is to empower you to take the first steps towards overcoming your Selective Mutism. Use coupon code podcast17 to save 50% on Lifetime Access to the Fall 2021 Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Online Summit to learn more about how to help treat teens and young adults with Selective Mutism. Click HERE for more information. Email smhelp2020@gmail.com if you are wanting to connect with someone about helping you overcome your Selective Mutism. Looking for a support group geared towards teens and young adults with Selective Mutism? Check out these Facebook Groups: SM Space Cafe Selective Mutism Awareness for Adults/Teenagers

In this episode, you'll hear our story on how chiropractic care helped our daughter with SM create a better communication system between her brain and body. You'll learn about a technique called Neuro Emotional Technique that helped unlock some memories that were causing physiological changes to our daughter.

Does your SM Child have explosive tendencies? Do they seem to have a meltdown over the tiniest thing? Listen to this episode to learn what you can do to help them through it. Click HERE to purchase "The Explosive Child" by Dr. Ross Greene For more information about Selective Mutism, visit www.smhelp.org

In this episode, you will learn how a behavior analyst could help someone affected by Selective Mutism. To learn about Family Coaching, visit www.smhelp.org/family-coaching

In this episode, you'll learn how to support an SM child as they are on an extended holiday break from school. You'll learn the importance of keeping a routine, how to avoid communication regression, and tips on how to hopefully avoid school refusal. Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. will begin offering Behavioral Services starting January 1st, 2022. For more information, visit www.smhelp.org. To view the Facebook Video showing the board we used to keep a routine, click HERE.

Occupational Therapy is one of those types of therapies you've probably heard about, but may not fully understand how it could help someone with Selective Mutism. In this episode, I'll talk about how I came to understand what OT can do and how it helped our daughter take steps towards overcoming her Selective Mutism. Links from this episode: Zones of Regulation: www.zonesofregulation.com Sense-ational Spaces: https://www.senseationalspaces.com Spring 2021 Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Online Summit Lifetime Access: https://www.smhelp.org/store/p12/Spring_2021_Online_Summit_-_Individual_Days.html; save 15% on Lifetime Access to any individual day of the Spring 2021 Summit by using coupon code podcast12 Parent Coaching: www.smhelp.org/parent-coaching

In this episode, learn ways to ease an SM child's anxiety during the holiday season to give them the best opportunity to communicate with relatives. For questions about Selective Mutism, reach out via email to smhelp2020@gmail.com For information about P.R.I.D.E. Skills click HERE For more information about preparing a child with SM for the holidays, visit the SMart Center's website by clicking HERE

Play dates can be an effective way for a child with Selective Mutism to start talking to friends and classmates. But, there are certain strategies that parents need to be aware of to make the most out of a playdate. For more information about Selective Mutism, visit www.smhelp.org Parent Coaching is now being offered by Selective Mutism H.E.L.P.! If you are interested in one on one support, please email smhelp2020@gmail.com. *This episode made me very emotional thinking about these memories. This caused me to misspeak at one point. I should have said "open ended" question instead of "open choice" question while playing the game Candy Land.

In this episode you will learn tips and strategies to help a child with Selective Mutism have a fun Halloween night. You will learn how to support an SM child before Halloween, during Halloween, and when the night is over. Plus, tips for those children that may not be ready to go trick or treating, but still want to be a part of Halloween night. Website: www.smhelp.org Facebook: www.facebook.com/SelectiveMutismHELP Email: smhelp2020@gmail.com

In this episode, you will learn about how Selective Mutism H.E.L.P got started, who is involved, and what resources are available. Plus, you will get information about the next free Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Online Summit. Link to register for the free Online Summit: www.smhelp.org/free-summit If you would like to contribute to the operating costs associated with the website, this podcast, and the free summit, visit https://www.smhelp.org/awareness-merchandise.html

In this episode you will learn the importance of building rapport with a child with SM before setting the expectation to talk. You will also learn the different ways an SM child can communicate and how to get them to the point where they can comfortably speak. Link for the “About Me” downloadable template https://www.smhelp.org/parent-resources.html (scroll to the bottom of the page) Link to contribute to operational costs https://www.smhelp.org/awareness-merchandise.html