SMIRA

Selective Mutism Information & Research Association

Main Content

Welcome to the website of SMIRA
(Selective Mutism Information &
Research Association)

Start Your Journey

About Selective Mutism

Please take some time to explore the site and learn about Selective Mutism (often referred to as ‘SM’), which can have a distressing effect not only on those with the condition but also on their families.

New Maggie Johnson podcast

A 2-part podcast of Maggie Johnson’s interview on SM with Dr Christie: ‘Understanding Selective Mutism’ is packed with tips and info. Maggie also talks about her new book, ‘The Selective Mutism Workbook for Parents and Professionals’. The podcasts are free to access from our Videos page:

Go to Videos page

SMIRA Teemill Store

Our long awaited SMIRA Teemill Store is now open for business! Visit us there for beautiful t-shirts, jumpers, mugs, bags and lots more! We also have Christmas items for sale direct from SMIRA.

Visit our SMIRA shop page

Jump to the Latest News Section

Latest News

What is Selective Mutism?

child sitting alone at school not joining in

Selective Mutism (SM) is an anxiety disorder which prevents those affected from speaking in certain situations, such as at school or in public.

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About Us

SMIRA’s team consists mainly of volunteers who all have knowledge of selective mutism, whether as parents, professionals or from their own personal experience.

“It’s so nice to share our journey, all we’ve learned, and ask for support for the newer things we are encountering – it truly is a lifeline”

Meet the Team

people in a group talking

Information

A range of informative leaflets, available to download and share.

General Information


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For Parents


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For Teens & Adults


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For Professionals


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Resources

A range of resources to consider for parents and carers or those involved in treating Selective Mutism.

Training

Current list of available training courses – please make enquiries direct to the organiser.

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Recommended Reading

Recommended books on selective mutism for parents and professionals.

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News


Connect with our team on Facebook
for tips and advice about SM.

Raise money for SMIRA via EasyFundraising:

EasyFundraising banner and link

 

SEND Gateway Registered Provider logo and link

Are you the parent or carer of a child or young person between the ages of 5 and 16?

SMIRA is running a new research study. This study aims to capture up-to-date information on speaking behaviours in ALL children and young people in the UK, not just those with SM. It is an online questionnaire and will take 10 minutes per child to complete.

Please click the link below to take part:

https://plymouthpsychology

 

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SMIRA statement regarding the use of the terms ‘reluctant speaker’ and ‘reluctant talker’

SMIRA has noticed an increase in the terms ‘reluctant speaker’ and ‘reluctant talker’ being used as synonyms for Selective Mutism. We find the use of these terms is unhelpful, as they may be misleading, promoting the mistaken belief that people with SM may be refusing to speak, rather than being unable to do so.

Read the full statement here
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