Spectrum Gaming has a huge focus on advocacy - ensuring autistic young people's voices are heard - and one common experience is young people receiving the wrong support when they experience difficulties with communication that are caused by anxiety, stress or overload.
This webinar aims to explain what selective mutism is, what it isn't and why the right understanding is important when it comes to supporting autistic people. We also cover what support is helpful so that you have practical strategies you can take away from the session.
Who is delivering the webinar?
Andy Smith is an autistic adult and the founder of Spectrum Gaming, a community which supports 1,700 autistic young people across the UK, the community is fully adapted to support young people who experience SM. He has been nationally recognised for commitment to autistic young people and represents their views in strategic groups and partnerships. Previously, Andy worked at a Local Authority as an advocate for SEND Young People, and during this time he set up and chaired the Greater Manchester Selective Mutism Network, which aimed to increase understanding of and improve support for people with SM across Greater Manchester. One of Andy's special interests is selective mutism and the intersection between selective mutism and autism. Andy is also a SMiRA Associate.
Course Feedback:
"Amazing - explained so well. Thank you! I feel so inspired and will make some changes to my clinical practice. I have increased in confidence at managing complex cases."
"Very interesting and informative, Andy is an engaging speaker with a wealth of knowledge and lived experience. I always learn so much new and helpful stuff from SG's courses and it seems they are at the very forefront of current understanding of autism, pushing for change to help young people and their families."
"Amazing... Andy's passion, knowledge and enthusiasm for the subject area is phenomenal!!"
Webinar Outline:
