Why I Use the “Zoo Brain” to Help Anxious Kids Speak | SM & Emotional Regulation Explained

Is your child talkative at home but completely silent in school or around others?

In this video, Speech and Language Therapist Anna Biavati explains her powerful Zoo Brain method—an easy, playful way to help children understand their emotions, reduce anxiety, and feel safe enough to speak.

Using animal metaphors like 🦉 Owl Brain (calm & thinking), 🐻 Bear Brain (fight mode), 🐢 Turtle Brain (freeze mode), and 🐌 Snail Brain (shutdown/overwhelm), Anna shares how naming brain states gives kids the language—and the power—to move toward confident communication.

🌼 Your child isn’t choosing silence. Their brain is trying to protect them.
🎯 Learn how to shift from pressure to progress, one brave step at a time.

✨ In this video, you’ll learn:
-What “Zoo Brain” is and why it helps kids with selective mutism or social anxiety
-How each animal represents a brain state—and what to do when it shows up
-Why giving emotions a name builds confidence and self-regulation
-Practical ways to talk with your child about their feelings and voice
-How this method leads to real change—without pressure or bribes

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HELLO and welcome!!
My name is Anna Biavati and I am a specialist Speech & Language Therapist. I made this channel to share my passion for sharing language tips to help your child communicate outside your home but doing so in a fun and relaxed way.

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🌟 FREE Selective Mutism Survival Kit
Start with the essential tools I teach families in my clinic, simple, practical, and calm-body friendly.

👉 Download here: https://stepstobravetalking.com/sm-su...
(Scripts, first-step strategies, emotional-regulation tools, and confidence routines.)

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✨ Want the Proven Path to Brave Talking?
If you’re ready to help your child move from freeze → connection → brave talking, my signature programme is now open.

👉 Join Steps to Brave Talking
https://stepstobravetalking.com/

Inside you’ll learn how to:
✔ Understand your child’s anxious brain
✔ Build safety before speech
✔ Reduce shutdowns and emotional overwhelm
✔ Support communication at school, home & public places
✔ Make brave talking feel natural, not forced

If you’re tired of guessing what to try next, this is your roadmap. 💛

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🔗 More Helpful Links & Resources
🎓 Awesome Powers Academy (Parent Program):
https://awesomepowers.stepstobravetal...
🎓 The Brave Muscle Method Blueprint (Free Training):
Email me for personalised support: [email protected]

🌐 Social Media & Support Communities
🔵 Facebook Page:
Selective Mutism Therapy & Support
  / selective.mutism.therapy.and.support  
👥 Facebook Support Group:
Selective Mutism Support Hub
  / selectivemutismsupporthub  
📸 Instagram:
@selective_mutism_anna_biavati
  / selective_mutism_anna_biavati  

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🌟 Want to Shape the Future of SM Support?
I’m inviting a small group of parents into my Parent Research Project — a special space where your insights will directly influence the tools, scripts, and support I create inside Steps to Brave Talking.

👉 Join the Parent Research Project:
https://stepstobravetalking.com/paren...

Your voice matters — for your child, and for families worldwide. 🌱💛

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❓ Have Questions or Suggestions?
Want me to cover something in a future video? Submit it here:
http://bit.ly/4gIl1vb

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💬 Why Subscribe?
Every week I share simple, science-based tools from my private practice to help your child feel safer, calmer, and more confident communicating.
Subscribe and tap the bell so you never miss a new video.

   • Why I Use the “Zoo Brain” to Help Anxious ...  

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#anxietyinchildren #selectivemutismawareness #parentingtips #speechandlanguagetherapy