My son,Cade, is 5 1/2 years old and seems to meet all of the
criteria of a selectively mute child. When he started pre-school
earlier this year he would not talk to anybody in his class
inculding his teacher. The teacher approached me an explained that
she did not know how to get my son to talk. She also had no idea of
his abilities, as far as academics, since he refused to answer any
questions. I stumbled across the term "selective mutism" and began
to research it via the internet. I was excited to finally figure
out why my son acted the way he did. I printed out every article
that I could find on selective mutism and gave it to his teacher.
For the last 6 months she has done a wonderful job helping Cade feel
comfortable to talk in class. Now he is able to talk when he is
spoken to. Now I am at a loss as to what the next step should be.
His teacher said he is academically equal to his peers but he is
socially behind. Although he will speak in class and when out in
public, he shows little to no interest in playing with children his
age. Do you have any suggestions on how I could work with him this
summer? I presently meet with a play-group once a week and I have a
boy his age over to play with Cade once a week as well. I am open
to suggestions. Thanks in advance.

D.J.