Autism Central Anna Freud
is running a lot of free NHS England commissioned sessions for autistic people and families. Topics include, burnout, monotropism, behaviour, sensory needs and more.
Comic Strip Conversations, Perspective Taking
https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/ms-lees-bees-slp-and-reading-supplies
​
@msleesbeesslp
Situational / Selective Mutism – Key Guides & Toolkits
1. Bucks Healthcare NHS Trust – Situational Mutism: Settings & Parents Pack (PDF)
A widely used UK guide with strategies for schools, graded exposure, and communication supports.
🔗 https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/cyp/wp-content/uploads/sites/6/2022/11/Situational-Mutism-Settings-and-Parents-Pack_V3.pdf
2. MoodCafe / Health & Social Care Partnership – SM Toolkit for Young People & Families (PDF)
A practical, family-friendly toolkit including anxiety supports and “sliding-in” steps.
🔗 https://www.moodcafe.co.uk/media/2a3llqck/situational-mutism-families.pdf
3. Solihull Council – Situational Mutism Information Pack (PDF)
Clear explanation of situational mutism, school strategies, and key do/don’t guidance.
🔗 https://www.solihull.gov.uk/sites/default/files/2022-10/Situational-Mutism-Information-Pack.pdf
4. SMIRA – Information for Professionals
Specialist national charity offering training, leaflets, and expert guidance.
🔗 https://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/information/information-for-professionals/
5. Here to Help (SJOG) – Situational Mutism Fact Sheet (PDF)
Short overview linking mutism with sensory overload and autism.
🔗 https://here2help.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Final-Situational-Mutism.pdf
6. Aberdeenshire Council – Selective Mutism Practice Guidelines 2024 (PDF)
Comprehensive practice guidance with step-by-step intervention plans.
🔗 https://asn-aberdeenshire.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Selective-Mutism-Aberdeenshire-updated-2024.pdf
7. NHS East Sussex – Selective Mutism Factsheet (PDF)
Simple downloadable factsheet for parents and early years settings.
🔗 https://www.eastsussexchildren.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Selective-Mutism.pdf
Autism & Communication Resources (UK)
8. Autism Education Trust (AET) – Good Autism Practice Resources
Evidence-based training and school-friendly strategies for communication needs.
🔗 https://www.autismeducationtrust.org.uk/resources/
9. National Autistic Society – Communication Differences
Clear overview of expressive, receptive, and social communication differences in autism.
🔗 https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/communication
10. Speech & Language UK – Understanding Communication Needs
Parent-friendly guidance explaining why some children may struggle to speak in certain environments.
🔗 https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/resources/
Anxiety & Emotional Regulation Tools
11. YoungMinds – Anxiety in Children
Helpful for parents wanting to understand anxiety-based communication barriers.
🔗 https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-a-z-mental-health-guide/anxiety/
12. Anna Freud Centre – Helping Children with Anxiety
Research-backed advice on supporting emotional and communication shutdowns.
🔗 https://www.annafreud.org/parents-and-carers/self-care-for-parents/
13. Zones of Regulation – Official Resources
Useful for schools supporting children whose anxiety affects speech.
🔗 https://zonesofregulation.com/resources.html
Educational & School-Focused Support
14. Worcestershire Speech and Language Therapy – Selective Mutism School Advice
Short, accessible guidance for teachers and SENCOs.
🔗 https://swft.nhs.uk/application/files/2115/4595/9280/Selective_Mutism.pdf
15. NHS Northern Care Alliance – Selective Mutism School-Aged Pack (PDF)
One of the clearest UK guides for planning classroom intervention.
🔗 https://www.northerncarealliance.nhs.uk/sites/default/files/2022-05/Selective%20Mutism%20pack.pdf
Key Professional Authority
16. Maggie Johnson & Alison Wintgens – The Selective Mutism Resource Manual (2nd Ed.)
Often described as the “gold standard” text in the selective/situational mutism field.
Maggie Johnson is widely considered a leading expert — almost a guru — in SM practice. Her work has transformed how clinicians and schools understand anxiety-based communication shutdowns. She pioneered gentle, evidence-based approaches such as graded exposure and the “sliding-in” technique, now used across the UK.
🔗 https://www.selectivemutism.org.uk/information/information-for-professionals/
Useful Online Resources/ video clips
Autistic burnout is a period of overwhelming exhaustion and reduced daily functioning that can occur when autistic people face prolonged stress, masking, or demands that exceed their coping resources.
Reasonable adjustments are simple changes at work that help remove barriers and make it easier for disabled employees to do their jobs comfortably and fairly.
In this episode of Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood, Daniel learns simple strategies to manage big feelings, showing children how to recognise emotions and use calming tools in everyday situations.
Autism Oxford UK have put together this animation showing the positives of neurodivergence
A simple, child-friendly video that explains ADHD and promotes understanding and acceptance.