Event
Supporting children with selective mutism
Description
Practical strategies to support children with Selective Mutism
When a child speaks freely at home but struggles to use their voice in other settings, it can be confusing and worrying for parents and educators alike.
This on-demand online workshop, Supporting Children with Selective Mutism, is designed to help you understand what’s happening beneath the silence and how to gently support confidence and connection.
Led by Danielle Cottam, Speech Pathologist and founder of Selective Mutism Western Australia, this one-hour session offers clear, practical strategies to reduce anxiety, foster safety, and encourage communication.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or allied health professional, you’ll gain valuable insight into selective mutism and learn everyday tools to help children feel heard, understood, and supported across home, school, and community environments.
What you’ll explore
• What is Selective/Situational Mutism (SM)? – Understanding your child’s experience.
• How to talk to your child about SM – Respectful language that validates feelings and supports understanding.
• Reducing communication pressure – Everyday strategies to create safety and predictability.
• Supporting interactions with others – Gentle ways to help your child to respond to others at school, with family, or in social settings.
• Stretching speech safely –A fun, low-pressure approach to help speech emerge with new people and in new places.
• Additional resources – Where to find more support, tools, and guidance when you need it.
Why Join?
Parents often wonder: “Should I wait and see? Encourage more? Step back?” This webinar offers reassurance and clarity – with tools to help you support your child without pressure and to meet them wherever they are at in any given situation.
About the Presenter
Danielle Cottam is a Perth-based Speech Pathologist and founder of Selective Mutism Western Australia. She has extensive experience supporting children with SM and is passionate about helping families feel informed, confident, and empowered to nurture their child’s voice.
Details
• Format: 1-hour live webinar
• Who it’s for: Parents and caregivers of children experiencing Selective/Situational Mutism
• Replay: Yes – recording available to watch back at your own pace