Supporting Children with Selective Mutism
*A practical webinar for parents and caregivers*
✨ About this Workshop
Some children speak freely and comfortably in certain spaces, yet find it much harder to use
their voice in other settings or with unfamiliar people. This experience is often described as
Selective Mutism (SM) or Situational Mutism.
For parents, this can feel confusing and worrying—wanting to support your child while not
increasing their stress.
This 1-hour introductory webinar will help you understand what’s happening beneath the
silence, and offer everyday strategies to support your child’s confidence, safety, and
connection.
Led by Danielle Cottam, Speech Pathologist and founder of Selective Mutism Western Australia, this session provides reassurance, clarity, and practical next steps
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
