| Free Coaching Day, Sound & Movement Webinar, a story of hope, and more! |
July/August Newsletter
Hello! Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. will be sending out Newsletters every other month. Each newsletter will feature a relevant podcast episode, schedule of upcoming events, a story of hope, an Ask Kelly section, and a research article. Please share with anyone you think could benefit! I'm hopeful this will be one more way to bring awareness to SM, bring hope to those that are going through this journey, and a way to learn new information about SM.
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Featured Podcast Episode
"How to Support Your SM Child as They Go Back to School"
In this 18 minute episode, you'll hear practical advice to help your child transition into the new school year.
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July 11th & August 15th
Free 20 Minute Coaching Day
Whether you are a past client, current client, looking to become an established client, or need a quick question answered, book a FREE 20-Minute Coaching Session with Kelly! If you can't make it on the free coaching days, all new clients can schedule a free consultation throughout July! Click HERE to schedule.
July 7th 12:00-1:30 Eastern Time
Sound & Movement Webinar
During this free webinar, Kelly will explain how the Polyvagal Theory and Primitive Reflexes can help us have a better understanding of what our children are experiencing and why they are experiencing their mutism. She will also discuss the Sound & Movement Program and how it has helped those affected by Selective Mutism start gaining momentum towards overcoming their silence. Click HE RE for more information and to register.
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Back-to-School Bracelet and Keychain SALE! | |
Help spread awareness about Selective Mutism! Choose from two different bracelets or a keychain and save with Buy One Get One until the end of August! To purchase, click HERE.
(US residents only)
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Ask Kelly
"How do I know which type of communication I should work on with my child?"
It can be very overwhelming to try to figure out how to help your child work on communicating, especially if you don't know where to start. My best advice is to ask your child! Be aware of how you ask them, though. If you ask "Do you think you could talk to your friend at school?" the option to say "No" is available to them and usually they are going to choose that answer. Instead, ask something like "How hard would it be to answer a yes/no question from your friend (name a specific friend)?" They can answer with "Easy, Medium, or Hard" by verbally telling you or by showing you with their hands or fingers. This way they get to think about it and let you know if it would be something achievable or not. Aim for a way to communicate that they feel is "Medium." Also, keep in mind that any form of communication can be broken down into a more achievable step - we want them to succeed! If you are a new client and would like to discuss specific communication types for your child, schedule a free coaching consultation with me! If you are an established client, schedule your next Coaching Session HERE!
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Proof that Progress is Possible! | |
(names have been changed to protect identity)
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Brooklyn and her family are active members of their church, however, Brooklyn would shut down and not be able to communicate or make eye contact with other church members. In early 2023, Brooklyn started the Sound & Movement Program. For 10 minutes a day, 5 days a week, Brooklyn would listen to the Safe & Sound Protocol listening program while her parents would passively engage her body with rhythmic movements. Her parents would also meet with Kelly once a week to discuss the importance of creating small steps to help Brooklyn become more engaged with church members. After the 6 week Sound & Movement Program finished, the family then started incorporating specific movement exercises to integrate Primitive Reflexes. After 18 weeks, Brooklyn was able to play by herself more, was able to calm down easier instead of having a tantrum when unexpected situations happened, became more engaged with discussing her struggles, and began communicating more at church. This is another great example that Progress is Possible!
To learn more about the Sound & Movement Program, click HERE.
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This article was written by Keri J. Heilman, Dr. Stephen Porges, et al in 2012. It looks at children with SM compared to "neurotypical" children of the same age and how their Vagal Brake reacts in social and physical challenges. The research found that the SM participants had "difficulty in the dynamic autonomic adjustments required to move between states of requiring mobilization and those requiring social engagement behaviors." If you like to read research articles, this is an interesting one! Click below to download the article. | |
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Looking for a supportive community? The Selective Mutism H.E.L.P. Community of Support is a welcoming group for you to find support, ask questions, and to know that you are not alone. Join today! | |
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