I am excited to confirm the first training in Edinburgh for staff and parents.
Thursday 6th September 2018
9.30 till 5.00
City of Edinburgh Methodist Church
25 Nicolson Square
Edinburgh
EH8 9BX
Description
When children do not speak to certain people it is commonly mistaken for shyness, stubbornness, rudeness or attention seeking. Despite talking freely in other situations, we cannot assume they are choosing not to speak or lack motivation to engage.
Consistent inability to speak in certain situations is usually linked to a specific phobia of talking which, if mishandled, can become increasingly entrenched and difficult to overcome.
It is important to understand the difference between shyness, refusal or inability to speak. Above all teachers, parents and carers need to know how to handle the silence appropriately.
Facilitating participation, engagement and verbal interaction are fundamental, however sometimes adults do not realize that their behaviour can be anxiety provoking and at school students with Selective Mutism fall deeper into withdrawal, isolation and avoidance.
We will discuss how staff and parents can recognize the difference between shyness and ‘selective mutism’ and work together to help children and teens break their silence.
This training will also equip concerned parents with a toolbox of effective skills and strategies that they can use to help their anxious child feel reassured and develop the confidence to overcome their anxious emotions.
Speakers
Anna Biavati-Smith is a Specialist Speech and Language Therapist, who supports children with many different speech and language disorders, unusual bilingual acquisition and selective mutism. She is a joint founder and a committee member of the National Selective Mutism CEN (clinical excellence network) and offers specialist training in Scotland, UK and overseas. She has supported many families and schools in the last 10 years mainly on Selective Mutism (SM). “I am very passionate about Selective Mutism and I would like people to recognize it and know where to get support and apply strategies”.
Beatrice Cavallini is a clinical psychologist, supports children with SM. She works with children with ADHD and specific learning difficulties (dyslexia, dyscalculia and dysgraphia). She is part of AIMUSE, which is the Italian Associaltion for Selective Mutism and jointly runs intensive, residential treatment for families and children with SM.
Hannah Gordon is an ex SM and enthusiastic about sharing her journey of recovering from SM. She wants people to understand SM and how to facilitate changes. She now has a full time job and speaks in front a people all the time.
Lynn McCready is a Depute Head Teacher of a primary school and talks about her experiences with SM. She will discuss her personal journey as well as strategies to apply in school.
Other Information
Tea, coffees, refreshments and lunch will be provided. Please let us know of any dietary needs, when you book.
For any specific information or queries, please contact Anna Biavati-Smith wordstepsslt@gmail.com
