The first page I came up with was "the Silence Within" - Have you
ever
> know a child... I cried and I cried as I poured over the
> information. Everything I could find. It was my baby, it was
> everything my son was exhibiting.
> >
> Suggestions?
>
> Angela McInnes

Hello Angela. Your message certainly encouraged me! I remember
sending my book to Yellowknife, NT. I wondered where it was and had
to look it up on a map. I was so surprised to see how FAR north it
is! I am not sure if it was the school or you that ordered, but
would have thought by now that the school would have implemented
accommodations for your son. A "team" approach is most important. I
have often found that the psychologist is necessary for a diagnosis
and possibly support for the family, but the work and accommodations
must take place in the school. An experienced psychologist who has
worked with many sm children can help to make a "plan" that is to be
implemented, but you must have someone on the school faculty be
willing to go that extra mile and provide an intervention. This
person, preferably the speech and language pathologist, would be
called the "key worker". Generally, sm children will not ever speak
within the whole classroom until they have been desensitized with a
small group. You know from my book that this is called "stimulus
fading" and that I started working individually with the child in
the beginning, adding one child at a time to form a small group.
We, also, used cognitive behavior modification using goals and games
to work toward "getting the words out". Once the voice is being
produced in a small group setting, the classroom teacher and key
worker find ways to introduce his voice into the classroom.
I am sure that you can provide an excellent teleconference with a
wonderful expert via Philadelphia. Also, know that a teacher
training video will be available in a few weeks on the national
organization website: www.selectivemutism.org. I have viewed the
PowerPoint presentation and it is very thorough, educational and
enlightening. Speaker notes will be provided with the
presentation. It will be offered at a nominal fee.
I hope this gives you some encouragement. Teacher training is
crucial and that is my passion! You must find that one special
person within the school who is willing to help. Feel free to email
me with any other questions. All the best.
Gail Kervatt