Hi,

I am so sorry that you are having such difficulty. First, I believe you are a great mom for looking for answers. I do not want to tray you in the wrong direction. Each child is different and responds different to the school environment. If you feel in your heart that the placement is incorrect; I would start there. Call our office phone at 305-271-9797 and ask to speak to an Education and Support Specialist. We can review that IEP and discuss your options. If your child has Selective Mutism; perhaps someone reading this will reach out to you about their personal experience.

Take Care,

I hope I can find someone who can relate to my son's issues.
Hi my son is 6 and has a combination of issues. He has an expressive/receptive language delay for his age. At home he expresses his wants, needs, is assertive, plays with brother, etc. and functions fine with everything but as soon as he gets to school, he's very quiet, won't talk the the other kids/teachers only whispers to them sometimes. He's a little angel in school everybody loves him including the kids and always answer things for him.

This is affecting his learning and he'll be repeating kindergarten and transferred to new school which I'm very upset about. He needs the one on one instruction due to his shyness and not communicating to others, it's hard for them to know what he knows and no one can figure him out.
I wasn't prepared for his IEP and was very emotional after they told me all the negatives about him. The
psychologist only did a one sided evaluation report, only including his school behavior and transfer to a new school in an autistic class. His psycholgist at Miami Children's didn't find him to be autistic but his behavior -not talking, staring into space, shyness make them think that. He just needs someone to direct him on what to do.
I don't know what to do. I'm very frustrated and feel horrible moving my son to another school again.
Can anyone help me or give me some advice.
thank you this is a wonderful site
Mari 67

I hope I can find someone who can relate to my son's issues.
Hi my son is 6 and has a combination of issues. He has an expressive/receptive language delay for his age. At home he expresses his wants, needs, is assertive, plays with brother, etc. and functions fine with everything but as soon as he gets to school, he's very quiet, won't talk the the other kids/teachers only whispers to them sometimes. He's a little angel in school everybody loves him including the kids and always answer things for him.

This is affecting his learning and he'll be repeating kindergarten and transferred to new school which I'm very upset about. He needs the one on one instruction due to his shyness and not communicating to others, it's hard for them to know what he knows and no one can figure him out.
I wasn't prepared for his IEP and was very emotional after they told me all the negatives about him. The
psychologist only did a one sided evaluation report, only including his school behavior and transfer to a new school in an autistic class. His psycholgist at Miami Children's didn't find him to be autistic but his behavior -not talking, staring into space, shyness make them think that. He just needs someone to direct him on what to do.
I don't know what to do. I'm very frustrated and feel horrible moving my son to another school again.
Can anyone help me or give me some advice.
thank you this is a wonderful site
Mari 67

Hi,

I agree with srancano. My grandson is 7 years old. He has high functioning Autism PDD-NOS. He has an expressive/receptive language disorder, related to his Autism. He is doing very well. He has problems talking to children and adults in certain circumstances. It even happens with his Mom, Dad and me. It would appear as if it is Seclective Mutism, but it is his Autism. It was only a couple of years ago he was speaking like he had a stroke, in jargon and appeared mute most of the time. He improved both on his own and with the help of his family and a little therapy. (wish we could have afforded more). A speech therapist evaluated his language problems, and a thorough psycho-education test evaluated his problems both psychological and educational. The evaluation also included a ADOS and ADIR evaluation. There were interviews and questionaires as well as ongoing observations during the entire process in to make a diagnosis of Autism (The ADOS and ADIR are considered the Gold Standard in testing for Autism). In other words there are specific tests that can diagnose Autism that are used in conjuction with a general psychoeducational evaluation to diagnose Autism. There are other tests that are used to diagnose Selective Mutism. A medical doctor depends on these evaluations to make their diagnosis(s), they don't pull it out of a hat.They need these evaluations in order to make psychologic and psychiatric diagnoses.IQ An evaluation by a psychiatrist may, necessary. Especially if there is a suspicion of Selective Mutism.

The Public School System does IQ tests ,pscyoeducational evaluations, interviews and does a very good job at screening for problems, but they do not diagnose children.They also do screening evaluations for Speech/language, occupational and physical problems relating to these therapies with a particular focus on educational function. The purpose of all school testing is to evaluate how a child is functioning in the school setting academically and behaviorally and what services, within the school system would benefit the student in order for the child to excell with the learning process. Their focus is narrow, but effective. If your child has Selective Mutism, their screening process may come up with an indication that it may be this diagnosis and recommend further testing done outside the school system by a trained professionals. Teachers sometimes have good intuition, of what kind of problem their student may have and recommend that the school screen for a diagnosis, but it is only a screening.The evaluations are not in depth tests. The testing shows that certain types of programs, classes and services in the school system will benefit their students.
This may be where they came to the conclusion that your child would be best served in a class with Autistic children. Autism has a classical symptom of children having difficulty understanding and or expressing themselves. The placement may be a good one, even though the label of Autism may not be appropriate. My son, who is 25 now, was in several types of programs. He has Bipolar and ADHD. When he was 20, a diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder was made. He was inEH- Emotionally Handicapped,SED- Severely Emotionally Distrurbed,LD GIfted- Gifted Learning Disabled,VE- Variable Exceptionality,BG- Behavioral Gifted. Pick the one you like the best. lol. Now it makes me laugh to see me writing all these programs. He was still the same child in all the different programs. I had him placed in SED, because it was the finest program in the school system at the time. Was he severely emotionally disturbed? No! SED was a label. Yes some of the students were severe, but the program afforded him the best educational and behavioral approach there was. It was an excellent program. Ideally. He should have been in an "ADD/BP/GIFTED" Attention Deficit, Bipolar, Giifted Program. Laugh out Loud!

When all is said and done. It is up to us, as parents, to make sure our children are diagnosed and placed in the best school program we can find. Is a challenging, arduous, stressful? Yes, but it is ultimately a very rewarding experience. I know I couldn't have done it without a lot of work, research and help from others; family friends, aquaintences, professionals. For my son, the adventure continues. It is never really done. And now it is my turn for my grandson.(It is hereditary in my family). This time I have experience. I am a lot more confident and hopeful. I know things do get better, in time. Life does get easier. The children do have fruitful lives.

Today, I do laugh at the school system, the health care system, myself and all those that are mine.

Please stay strong and do ask for help frequently and don't forget to find the humor in life.


miamirn/Elona

PS.Recently, my grandson attended a Social Skills group for nine weeks sponsered by CARD. There has been a noticable, mild improvement. I am so pleased. He has learned to be a little more comfortable with expressing himself; he has also learned that it is an expected social norm. All the other children improved in some way in the group. It was an inspiring experience. The children learned from the psychologists and each other. The parents and I were directly involved, the last 4 sessions with the children, using the skills we observed and learned from the psychologists.There was a one way mirror and closed circuit TV's.

Hi Mari 67,

First, you are not alone because your son sounds alot like my daughter, except she is only 4 1/2. For the past two years she hasn't verbalized to her teachers in school or to any adults when in social settings. Basically she communicates all nonverbally, gestures, hides to speak, (so she can't be seen), whispers in my ear or through other students. In the past she has physically displayed a blank stare or stiff body posture, look downs and becomes mute... According to a few psychologists, Her condition is called "Selective Mutism" and without proper intervention she will not just grow out of it! This condition seems to fall through the cracks and overlooked as being Shy! But my child is definitely not SHY,,,,, she functions very normally when in her comfort zone. (home) Unfortunately There has been a whole lot of learned behaviors and avoidance tactics that she has mastered in order not to use her voice. And... when we (myself) or other students in her class speak for her, then it re-inforces her NOT to speak. So...we have alot to UNDO and still trying to find the best equation to do this. I have had a difficult time finding a qualified professional who has experience with Selective Mutism. There are many who treat anxiety, but this is way more specialized and complex. Now it's my job to find the correct environment to help her relax and excel. (It's a slow process, I know. And I understand the frustration!)

In addition to this condition, my daughter has had 5 seperate Seizure-like episodes during a sleeping state, where she props herself up while coughing, smacking lips (like chewing) & reflux gagging which is followed by vomiting. Her Eyes are open so she appears awake, although completely unresponsive, eyes deviated in a zoned out appearance, body limp but hands rigid. This lasts for about 15 minutes, then she falls fast asleep, then has no recollection when she awakes. All episodes where more or less the same. After some EEG's and a Brain MRI that presented itself clear, they said it was just benign PARASOMNIAS and are very common in young children which they grow out of around age 5 and not related to her SM. But, I have my concerns if it was truly a seizure vs. parasomnia, and more importantly is it somehow connected to her SM and the anxiety she has...(she also grinds her teeth excessively). Any one experienced anything like this in conjunction with your SM or Autistic kids?

We will be starting Therapy soon with The Insititute for Children and Family Health, formerly CPC. I've heard that ABA = "Applied Behavior Anaylisis", although mainly used for Autistic children, works wonders with Selectively Mute. It's a different reason why they don't verbalize, but this technique apparently works the same for therapy. We have done many hours of play therapy where after about 5 sessions, behind closed doors, I can hear my daughers voice, but she doesn't look them in the eyes when she speaks. The true problem exists not behind closed doors, one on one, but in school or social settings. Now we are considering Small Group SpeechTherapy,(Traditional ST has not worked in the past), Social Skills Building Classes, and summer camp. We also reopened her case with FDLRS, even though they denied her special needs services last year. After some thorough tests (all nonverbal) her evaluation showed her fairly intelligent. But,all they could offer her was an Emotionally Disturbed Classroom. Of course I disagreed, as did they...but that's just it...there's no place for this problem! It's overlooked as just being shy.

I'm glad to see that you are reaching out as I am and maybe we can help eachother in some way. I have read the other posts offering some sound advice. (Thank YOU!) I too am getting her a re-evaluation, considering her age. I also believe a Social Skills Building group (as long as it's small) with qualified therapists can make a big impact. I found one which may be forming at the Pinecrest Community Center. Not sure where you are located, but I'm happy to provide the details if it may help you.

My question to you or anyone reading this? Does this condition (Selective Mutism) qualify my daughter with "special needs" and if so, how do I prepare an IEP if FDLRS denies her services?
Also, if there is any type of support group out there for SM, please include me.

Thanks!
findhervoice

Mari67 wrote:

Hi Mari 67,

First, you are not alone because your son sounds alot like my daughter, except she is only 4 1/2. For the past two years she hasn't verbalized to her teachers in school or to any adults when in social settings. Basically she communicates all nonverbally, gestures, hides to speak, (so she can't be seen), whispers in my ear or through other students. In the past she has physically displayed a blank stare or stiff body posture, look downs and becomes mute... According to a few psychologists, Her condition is called "Selective Mutism" and without proper intervention she will not just grow out of it! This condition seems to fall through the cracks and overlooked as being Shy! But my child is definitely not SHY,,,,, she functions very normally when in her comfort zone. (home) Unfortunately There has been a whole lot of learned behaviors and avoidance tactics that she has mastered in order not to use her voice. And... when we (myself) or other students in her class speak for her, then it re-inforces her NOT to speak. So...we have alot to UNDO and still trying to find the best equation to do this. I have had a difficult time finding a qualified professional who has experience with Selective Mutism. There are many who treat anxiety, but this is way more specialized and complex. Now it's my job to find the correct environment to help her relax and excel. (It's a slow process, I know. And I understand the frustration!)

In addition to this condition, my daughter has had 5 seperate Seizure-like episodes during a sleeping state, where she props herself up while coughing, smacking lips (like chewing) & reflux gagging which is followed by vomiting. Her Eyes are open so she appears awake, although completely unresponsive, eyes deviated in a zoned out appearance, body limp but hands rigid. This lasts for about 15 minutes, then she falls fast asleep, then has no recollection when she awakes. All episodes where more or less the same. After some EEG's and a Brain MRI that presented itself clear, they said it was just benign PARASOMNIAS and are very common in young children which they grow out of around age 5 and not related to her SM. But, I have my concerns if it was truly a seizure vs. parasomnia, and more importantly is it somehow connected to her SM and the anxiety she has...(she also grinds her teeth excessively). Any one experienced anything like this in conjunction with your SM or Autistic kids?

We will be starting Therapy soon with The Insititute for Children and Family Health, formerly CPC. I've heard that ABA = "Applied Behavior Anaylisis", although mainly used for Autistic children, works wonders with Selectively Mute. It's a different reason why they don't verbalize, but this technique apparently works the same for therapy. We have done many hours of play therapy where after about 5 sessions, behind closed doors, I can hear my daughers voice, but she doesn't look them in the eyes when she speaks. The true problem exists not behind closed doors, one on one, but in school or social settings. Now we are considering Small Group SpeechTherapy,(Traditional ST has not worked in the past), Social Skills Building Classes, and summer camp. We also reopened her case with FDLRS, even though they denied her special needs services last year. After some thorough tests (all nonverbal) her evaluation showed her fairly intelligent. But,all they could offer her was an Emotionally Disturbed Classroom. Of course I disagreed, as did they...but that's just it...there's no place for this problem! It's overlooked as just being shy.

I'm glad to see that you are reaching out as I am and maybe we can help eachother in some way. I have read the other posts offering some sound advice. (Thank YOU!) I too am getting her a re-evaluation, considering her age. I also believe a Social Skills Building group (as long as it's small) with qualified therapists can make a big impact. I found one which may be forming at the Pinecrest Community Center. Not sure where you are located, but I'm happy to provide the details if it may help you.

My question to you or anyone reading this? Does this condition (Selective Mutism) qualify my daughter with "special needs" and if so, how do I prepare an IEP if FDLRS denies her services?
Also, if there is any type of support group out there for SM, please include me.

Thanks!
findhervoice

Mari67 wrote:

Hi,

It is the same old story. I've seen it many times. Unless you can catch the episode on EEG and preferably Video/EEG there is no way to know whether is it definately a seizure or not. But, assuming it is a sleep disorder, have you been to Dr. Deray. He is the director of sleep medicine and a neurologist? Let me know. PM if you wish.

Miamirn/Elona

Hi,

I agree with srancano. My grandson is 7 years old. He has high functioning Autism PDD-NOS. He has an expressive/receptive language disorder, related to his Autism. He is doing very well. He has problems talking to children and adults in certain circumstances. It even happens with his Mom, Dad and me. It would appear as if it is Seclective Mutism, but it is his Autism. It was only a couple of years ago he was speaking like he had a stroke, in jargon and appeared mute most of the time. He improved both on his own and with the help of his family and a little therapy. (wish we could have afforded more). A speech therapist evaluated his language problems, and a thorough psycho-education test evaluated his problems both psychological and educational. The evaluation also included a ADOS and ADIR evaluation. There were interviews and questionaires as well as ongoing observations during the entire process in to make a diagnosis of Autism (The ADOS and ADIR are considered the Gold Standard in testing for Autism). In other words there are specific tests that can diagnose Autism that are used in conjuction with a general psychoeducational evaluation to diagnose Autism. There are other tests that are used to diagnose Selective Mutism. A medical doctor depends on these evaluations to make their diagnosis(s), they don't pull it out of a hat.They need these evaluations in order to make psychologic and psychiatric diagnoses.IQ An evaluation by a psychiatrist may, necessary. Especially if there is a suspicion of Selective Mutism.

The Public School System does IQ tests ,pscyoeducational evaluations, interviews and does a very good job at screening for problems, but they do not diagnose children.They also do screening evaluations for Speech/language, occupational and physical problems relating to these therapies with a particular focus on educational function. The purpose of all school testing is to evaluate how a child is functioning in the school setting academically and behaviorally and what services, within the school system would benefit the student in order for the child to excell with the learning process. Their focus is narrow, but effective. If your child has Selective Mutism, their screening process may come up with an indication that it may be this diagnosis and recommend further testing done outside the school system by a trained professionals. Teachers sometimes have good intuition, of what kind of problem their student may have and recommend that the school screen for a diagnosis, but it is only a screening.The evaluations are not in depth tests. The testing shows that certain types of programs, classes and services in the school system will benefit their students.
This may be where they came to the conclusion that your child would be best served in a class with Autistic children. Autism has a classical symptom of children having difficulty understanding and or expressing themselves. The placement may be a good one, even though the label of Autism may not be appropriate. My son, who is 25 now, was in several types of programs. He has Bipolar and ADHD. When he was 20, a diagnosis of Asperger's Disorder was made. He was inEH- Emotionally Handicapped,SED- Severely Emotionally Distrurbed,LD GIfted- Gifted Learning Disabled,VE- Variable Exceptionality,BG- Behavioral Gifted. Pick the one you like the best. lol. Now it makes me laugh to see me writing all these programs. He was still the same child in all the different programs. I had him placed in SED, because it was the finest program in the school system at the time. Was he severely emotionally disturbed? No! SED was a label. Yes some of the students were severe, but the program afforded him the best educational and behavioral approach there was. It was an excellent program. Ideally. He should have been in an "ADD/BP/GIFTED" Attention Deficit, Bipolar, Giifted Program. Laugh out Loud!

When all is said and done. It is up to us, as parents, to make sure our children are diagnosed and placed in the best school program we can find. Is a challenging, arduous, stressful? Yes, but it is ultimately a very rewarding experience. I know I couldn't have done it without a lot of work, research and help from others; family friends, aquaintences, professionals. For my son, the adventure continues. It is never really done. And now it is my turn for my grandson.(It is hereditary in my family). This time I have experience. I am a lot more confident and hopeful. I know things do get better, in time. Life does get easier. The children do have fruitful lives.

Today, I do laugh at the school system, the health care system, myself and all those that are mine.

Please stay strong and do ask for help frequently and don't forget to find the humor in life.


miamirn/Elona

PS.Recently, my grandson attended a Social Skills group for nine weeks sponsered by CARD. There has been a noticable, mild improvement. I am so pleased. He has learned to be a little more comfortable with expressing himself; he has also learned that it is an expected social norm. All the other children improved in some way in the group. It was an inspiring experience. The children learned from the psychologists and each other. The parents and I were directly involved, the last 4 sessions with the children, using the skills we observed and learned from the psychologists.There was a one way mirror and closed circuit TV's.