There are moments in our professional journey that genuinely shift how we see the children and young people we support. For me, one of the most significant changes in my practice has come from focusing less on speech itself and more on the brain and nervous system that underpin it.
I am truly honoured to have been invited to contribute to this important conversation through an upcoming event with the Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (ACAMH), an organisation dedicated to sharing evidence-based knowledge to improve outcomes for children’s mental health. To be part of a platform that connects research, clinical expertise, and real-world practice feels incredibly meaningful.
Over time, my understanding of selective mutism has evolved. Where once the focus may have been on encouraging speech through structured activities, I now see much more clearly that speech is not the starting point but it is the outcome of a regulated, safe nervous system.
Children with selective mutism are not “refusing” to speak. Their nervous system is responding to perceived threat, often moving into freeze or shutdown states. When we focus only on speech and language interventions without addressing this, we risk missing the root of the difficulty.
This shift has been transformative in my practice.
By understanding how the brain works particularly the role of the autonomic nervous system have seen how support for selective mutism becomes less about “starting to use words” and more about helping them feel safe enough to speak. This is where real, sustainable change happens.
This is why I feel so passionate and excited to share this learning.
In this upcoming talk, designed specifically for professionals working with children and young people, I will be exploring:
- How brain function and nervous system states impact communication
- Why speech should not be the primary focus in selective mutism intervention
- The limitations of relying solely on traditional speech-based approaches
- How educators, therapists, and practitioners can support children through co-regulation and felt safety
This is not about replacing speech and language therapy but about enhancing our understanding so that all professionals can work more effectively, collaboratively, and compassionately.
Being invited to speak on this topic is a real honour. It reflects not only the importance of this shift in thinking, but also the growing recognition that we need to move beyond surface-level interventions and towards approaches grounded in neuroscience and emotional safety.
If you are a teacher, therapist, SEN professional, psychologist, or mental health practitioner wanting to deepen your understanding of selective mutism through a brain-based lens, I would warmly encourage you to join us.
👉 Book your place here:
It is an exciting time in our field. The more we understand the brain, the better we can support children not by asking more of them, but by meeting them where they are.
And that, for me, is where meaningful change begins.
With warmth and encouragement,
Anna Biavati
Speech Therapist, Creator of the Brave Muscle Method, Founder of Steps To Brave Talking
Join my Facebook community for more support and inspiration
Book a call with my team
