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Finding My Voice, My Way

Specific Challenges · Selective Mutism · Gentle & go-at-your-pace

A kind, no-pressure workbook to understand selective mutism and take tiny, brave steps — only when you're ready.

My name: Date:

What Selective Mutism Is (and Isn't)

Selective mutism means your voice sometimes gets "stuck" in certain places, even when you really want to speak. It is a kind of anxiety — not being rude, shy on purpose, or choosing not to talk. Your brain is trying to keep you safe. It is nobody's fault, and lots of children and young people have felt this. With gentle support, voices very often get freer over time. 💚

One place my voice feels easy:

One place my voice feels stuck:

My Comfort Signals

🦜 Rosie: "There are lots of ways to communicate — all of them count." Which feel okay for now?

Nod / shake head

Point

Thumbs up/down

Write or draw

Whisper to one person

Use a card

A signal I could use when I need help:

My Brave Ladder

🦔 Gary: "Tiny steps, at your speed. You choose when — there's no rush." Tick a rung only when it feels okay.

1 Be in the room, relaxed, near someone kind
2 Communicate without words (nod, point, write)
3 Make a small sound (laugh, blow, animal noise)
4 Whisper a word to my safe person
5 Say a word when someone else is nearby

Skipping a step or staying on one for a long time is completely fine. Going at your own pace is being brave. 🌟

My Support Team

🦎 Elvis: You don't do this alone. Name the people who help you feel safe.

My safe person at home:

My safe person at school:

Something they can do that helps (e.g. not rush me, not stare, give choices):

Kind Words for Me

🦜 Rosie: Choose a gentle reminder for stuck moments.

My voice is safe here

I can take my time

Any communication counts

I am brave in my own way

My own kind reminder:

💛 For grown-ups: Selective mutism responds best to patient, low-pressure support — never forcing or bribing speech. If it's affecting daily life or lasting more than about a month, ask your GP, SENCO or school for a referral to speech & language therapy or a specialist. Early, gentle support really helps. In the UK, SMIRA (Selective Mutism Information & Research Association) offers guidance for families.

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Brave Voice Certificate

So proud of you, !

You learned what selective mutism is, found ways to communicate, built a brave ladder and named your support team — all at your own pace. 💚

Signed by Rosie 🦜, Gary 🦔 and Elvis 🦎 · Date: