Peer Projects - Therapy from the Heart

At the end of May, Evelyn held a parent night at Peer Projects called “Growing up with Autism, ARFID, and Anxiety: Things I Wish My Parents Knew.” Last week Evelyn had her final poster presentation at Pingree High School in Hamilton, MA where she shared her presentation and answered questions from her school community! We want to congratulate Evelyn on her graduation! Evelyn will attend Smith College in the Fall! 💛🎓

{Image Description: The final poster presentation is taking place in the school gymnasium with polished wooden floors and blue-and-green wall banners visible in the background. In the foreground, a young child wearing a bright pink shirt and a striped skirt stands beside an adult who is crouched down at the child’s level. Together, they are looking at a large tri-fold presentation board. The presentation board is bright yellow and titled “Sensory Wall!” and “Peer Projects.” It features a colorful textured sensory panel with rainbow-colored faux fur, as well as other tactile materials such as sequins and soft yellow pom-pom-like elements. Text on the board invites viewers to “Flip Through My Presentation,” with arrows directing attention to interactive components. Several tables with laptops, water bottles, and other displays surround the sensory wall project. Other people can be seen walking and viewing projects in the background.}

🌈 June is a month of celebration, recognition, and awareness. This month we honor LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, National Caribbean American Heritage Month, National Immigrant Heritage Month, National PTSD Awareness Month, Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, and Men’s Health Month.

Image Description: A colorful June awareness calendar graphic with a light gray background and a rainbow border design along the edges. The word “June” appears in large pink script at the top left. Text lists are centered. A rainbow-colored “Pride” graphic appears at the bottom of the image.

Transcription: June LBGTQIA+ Pride Month National Caribbean American Heritage Month National Immigrant Heritage Month National PTSD Awareness Month Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Men’s Health Month Important Dates: June 14: World Blood Donor Day June 19: Juneteenth (more to come!) June 20: World Refugee Day

What is Situational Mutism? 🌼

{Image Description: A soft pastel educational graphic with pale yellow vertical stripes framing the top and bottom borders. In the center, teal script text reads “Situational Mutism.” Below, smaller serif text says, “What is it? Previously referred to as ‘Selective Mutism’.” The background is a light cream color, and the Peer Projects logo appears in the bottom right corner.}

Transcription: Situational Mutism, What is it? Previously referred to as “Selective Mutism” Situational Mutism is a complex anxiety response that impacts an individual’s ability to speak in specific situations. Situational vs. Selective Medically, Situational Mutistim is still referred to as ‘Selective Mutism.’ The community prefers Situational Mutism because ‘selective’ implies choice, and Situational Mutism is NOT a choice.
How we can support
Individualized care
Provide a safe space
Offer alternative methods of communication (ie. text, AAC etc.)
Do not place shame or guilt on an individual when they are unable to access spoken communication
Be patient & kind