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pianente2000 <kervatt@...>

Unfortunately, the ABC Primetime Live show last Thursday night
certainly diminished all the hard work we do to alleviate
misconceptions about SM, particularly that it is caused by abuse.  I
hope that all of you write to ABC with your concerns about this
issue.  http://abcnews.go.com/Primetime/

However, on a good note, the London Times published this article
today.  Go to their site, http://www.timesonline.co.uk/, and do a
search for selective mutism and it will lead you to it.  Maggie
Johnson and Alison Wintgens will be speakers at the SMG~CAN
Conference, July 7th, www.selectivemutism.org.  Their book is
wonderful!

Selective Mutism has hit the NY Times and hopefully will soon hit the
London Times. We are being heard! Here is a link to read the
article:
http://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/12/health/psychology/12mute.html?8br

SMG~CAN, www.selectivemutism.org, is proud that most of the feature
stories are of members of our non-profit organization who is there to
provide information, educate and spread the word.

I hope you all have a chance to read it and send your comments to the
Times.

Gail Kervatt

What time zone would 9pm be in?  I may be able to sign in.

--- In selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com, "Gail Kervatt"
<kervatt@o...> wrote:
>
> Current research into the causes and treatment of anxiety disorders
> focuses on neuropathways and middle ear function. The Selective
> Mutism Group "Expert Chat" on Thursday, March 17th at 9 PM will
> feature Valerie Dejean of The Spectrum Center, Bethesda, MD. In 1991
> Valerie Dejean trained in Paris, France with Dr. Alfred Tomatis,
> becoming the first occupational therapist in the world to use the
> Tomatis Method of Listening Therapy in combination with sensory
> integration. Today she is a successful entrepreneur and master
> clinician responsible for clinics in Bethesda and New York, and
> outreach programs in Chicago. The Spectrum Centers have provided
this
> unique combination of therapies for thousands of children and adults
> with a variety of disabling conditions, including auditory
processing
> problems, PDD and autism, learning disabilities and selective
mutism.
> In 2002 Ms. Dejean was authorized by the international Tomatis
> organization in Luxembourg to teach three-week long certification
> courses for professionals in North America. She has been an invited
> lecturer at international, national and state conferences and has
> appeared with Katie Couric on the Today Show in 2003 and on World
> News Tonight with Peter Jennings in 1996. Articles about her unique
> treatment method have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers.
> Ms.Dejean is a graduate of Boston University and is certified in
> Sensory Integration and Neuro-Developmental Therapy.
>
> In 2004 Ms. Dejean founded the Spectrum Institute, a 501 (c) (3) not
> for profit organization dedicated to research on sensory processing
> for those who face challenges in realizing their full potential in
> society.
>
> Chat instructions
>
> Prior to the chat:
> Please go to the link below and register (this way you will be set
up
> so that you can then sign in with your password and your name will
> show up on the board).
>
> To enter the chat room:
> http://childhoodanxietynetwork.org/ipw-web/chat/mychat/
>
> Go to the link above and about half way down the screen, click
> on "Register".
> A window will pop up where you will enter your information (name,
> username, etc....The username is what will show up on the screen, so
> please enter your full name there). Make up a password that you can
> easily remember, and type it in.
>
> Right after you finish filling this in, you will be in the system.
> So, in the main window, you can then log in with your username and
> password. There is a place near the bottom of the screen where you
> can choose which chat room you want to enter. We always use the
> default room for these chats, so it should automatically be set for
> that.
>
> Then click on "chat" at the bottom of the screen. You should see a
> mostly blank screen but it will indicate that you have entered the
> chat room. Near the bottom is the window where you type, and then
> hit send and your message should appear on the main screen.
>
> I hope some of you can attend the online chat and learn from "The
> Expert". All the best.
> Gail

Current research into the causes and treatment of anxiety disorders
focuses on neuropathways and middle ear function. The Selective
Mutism Group "Expert Chat" on Thursday, March 17th at 9 PM will
feature Valerie Dejean of The Spectrum Center, Bethesda, MD. In 1991
Valerie Dejean trained in Paris, France with Dr. Alfred Tomatis,
becoming the first occupational therapist in the world to use the
Tomatis Method of Listening Therapy in combination with sensory
integration. Today she is a successful entrepreneur and master
clinician responsible for clinics in Bethesda and New York, and
outreach programs in Chicago. The Spectrum Centers have provided this
unique combination of therapies for thousands of children and adults
with a variety of disabling conditions, including auditory processing
problems, PDD and autism, learning disabilities and selective mutism.
In 2002 Ms. Dejean was authorized by the international Tomatis
organization in Luxembourg to teach three-week long certification
courses for professionals in North America. She has been an invited
lecturer at international, national and state conferences and has
appeared with Katie Couric on the Today Show in 2003 and on World
News Tonight with Peter Jennings in 1996. Articles about her unique
treatment method have appeared in numerous magazines and newspapers.
Ms.Dejean is a graduate of Boston University and is certified in
Sensory Integration and Neuro-Developmental Therapy.

In 2004 Ms. Dejean founded the Spectrum Institute, a 501 (c) (3) not
for profit organization dedicated to research on sensory processing
for those who face challenges in realizing their full potential in
society.

Chat instructions

Prior to the chat:
Please go to the link below and register (this way you will be set up
so that you can then sign in with your password and your name will
show up on the board).

To enter the chat room:
http://childhoodanxietynetwork.org/ipw-web/chat/mychat/

Go to the link above and about half way down the screen, click
on "Register".
A window will pop up where you will enter your information (name,
username, etc....The username is what will show up on the screen, so
please enter your full name there). Make up a password that you can
easily remember, and type it in.

Right after you finish filling this in, you will be in the system.
So, in the main window, you can then log in with your username and
password. There is a place near the bottom of the screen where you
can choose which chat room you want to enter. We always use the
default room for these chats, so it should automatically be set for
that.

Then click on "chat" at the bottom of the screen. You should see a
mostly blank screen but it will indicate that you have entered the
chat room. Near the bottom is the window where you type, and then
hit send and your message should appear on the main screen.

I hope some of you can attend the online chat and learn from "The
Expert". All the best.
Gail

Took Kenzie to Edmonton for a week with his sister.  At this time,
his Prozac had been increased up to 3ml/day.  Concerned one day
before I left when saw him trembling.  Causes him to get very
excitable at times.  Plan to keep him at this dose for a while
without increase to keep an eye on the excitability.

Anyway, on the way down he refused to go through security.  Six year
old child laying in the fetal position crying and yelling as a line
up is behind us.  How I want to relive that moment.  Finally after
forcing him through, he gets into the waiting room, has a good cry
which lasts until we reboard the plane.  Then he is enthralled with
flying.

We arrive in Yellowknife.  My friend Caran picks us up at the airport
and my son is tickling her, joking with her, teasing her baby (he has
met her once before five months ago when she came to visit and her
son stayed with us).  He is talking out loud (very loud), laughing,
pretending to ride on the conveyer belt to get a rise out of me.

He spoke to shopkeepers (Moosepoop - was his favorite word), he went
on galaxyland rides by himself (he went on the roller coaster!), he
swam, he chatted with people and told them how old he was.  He
flirted with the young woman who took his photo dressed up as a
gangster and actually chased after her.  He even walked up to the
side of the pool to have his photo taken with a seal.  He even went
up to the Maitre'd to ask to hold a lobster.

He also allowed the Optometrist to check his eyes and was fitted for
glasses (one eye is quite weak, he is far-sighted - which would
explain his reluctance to read).  He has never participated in an eye-
exam before.  His only condition was that the glasses did not make
him look like Harry Potter.

Then we come back to Inuvik.  He is whispering in public.  He won't
wear his glasses to school.  He cried to me Monday morning, "Mommy,
please.  I will wear them all night long.  Please, not at school."
What could I do?  I asked him again this morning.  He said no one
else in his class wears glasses.  I will talk with his teacher.  I
saw him shaking again day before yesterday.  He never did in Edmonton
at all.

He has a follow-up appointment with his physician on Monday.  He's
been pinching people's noses alot even those he doesn't really know.

Don't know now.  So much improvement and now back again.  Will keep
on going and see.

why just a plain jane lootbag at your childs next party when you
could give a styling suzy party favour. not just a lootbag offers
the most unique and affordable party favours for all your occassions.

congratulations, it sounds like Kenzie is doing great.  there must be
something in the air, my daughter has had a great month, actually talking to
her friends, teasing her brother's friends, and even getting several words
out to her dr. strangely enough it started after she came off of all meds. i
guess everyone responds differently to things. lets hope they keep
progressing and doing well.
----- Original Message -----
From: "autumefire" <autumefire@...>
To: <selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, January 28, 2005 10:06 AM
Subject: [Selective Mutism Support Group] Further Progress


>
>
> Kenzie went to the Dental Therapist by himself and had some work
> done.  The DT called me and left a message she was so excited.  Last
> spring when he went to her, I had to hold him down and bribe him to
> open his mouth.  I had to go get his sister for support and heard
> pounding feet; turned to see him racing down the hall with the DT
> behind him.  He did a complete 180.  He was very proud.
>
> And, he spoke in class.  He lost a "jetons".  He is in French
> Immersion and if you are caught speaking English, the classmate can
> claim a jeton.  He was asked a question and he said "No."  His
> teacher said she had chills.  That was so cute.  It was more relief
> for me than anything that they had "proof" that he could speak.
>
> He is being more confident.  Playing games through to the end instead
> of crying and becoming frustrated.
>
> He has been on Prozac now for five weeks.  And I do not doubt for one
> second that his amazing progress has been due to the effects of the
> medication.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Kenzie went to the Dental Therapist by himself and had some work
done.  The DT called me and left a message she was so excited.  Last
spring when he went to her, I had to hold him down and bribe him to
open his mouth.  I had to go get his sister for support and heard
pounding feet; turned to see him racing down the hall with the DT
behind him.  He did a complete 180.  He was very proud.

And, he spoke in class.  He lost a "jetons".  He is in French
Immersion and if you are caught speaking English, the classmate can
claim a jeton.  He was asked a question and he said "No."  His
teacher said she had chills.  That was so cute.  It was more relief
for me than anything that they had "proof" that he could speak.

He is being more confident.  Playing games through to the end instead
of crying and becoming frustrated.

He has been on Prozac now for five weeks.  And I do not doubt for one
second that his amazing progress has been due to the effects of the
medication.

i had alot of luck finding a therapist through a local college with a strong
psyc. dept.  they used students, in conjunction with a psyciatrist, who
interacted well with my daughter, and had alot of the most recent
information  they also charge a very nominal fee so you don't have to worry
about insurance companies. SM is also covered under the Disabilities Act, if
you're in the US, and as soon as you bring that up schools get very
co-operative.  Good Luck!!
----- Original Message -----
From: "toothfairysandy" <toothfairysandy@...>
To: <selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 22, 2005 12:15 PM
Subject: [Selective Mutism Support Group] need help


>
>
> I think my son has SM and not sure where to go for a dianosis and
> get him help.  He talks up a storm at home but he won't speek at all
> in school or daycare.  I would appreciate any suggestions at all.
> Thank you. I am not sure where to start.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

--- In
selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com, "toothfairysandy"
<toothfairysandy@y...> wrote:
>
> I think my son has SM and not sure where to go for a dianosis and
> get him help. ....

Hi.  Here is the web address of SMIRA Files where you can open and
print out the Definition of Selective Mutism.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/smiratalk/files/

I believe you can just have your pediatrician sign it and voila, you
have your diagnosis in hand.  Hope this helps.
Gail

Everything that got me started in the right direction, I pulled off the net.  I
ordered and downloaded every piece of information I could.  Then I started
passing on the information and making appointments.  My biggest challenge has
been with the psychiatrist and one therapist who have not acknowledged that it
is SM.  The psychiatrist agreed with me that it was SM but neglected to utilize
that diagnosis in his written report for my physician.

I work in a hospital so I feel lucky that I have strong connections with the
staff.  I can walk down the hall and gab with a counsellor or go down stairs and
pull our physican aside or call special clinics to get an appointment right
away.  We have lovely people here to work with and I think because we have
limited resources available to us and must be creative, people give a little
more to help others.

I think that understanding what my son is experiencing and what others have
experience through reading and research and my own self-reflection, this process
has made me more aware of details, that I feel more confident advocating for my
child.

Read and educate yourself is the best advise I can pass on.  See the details,
note the signs around your child.  Listen.  Then advocate and don't back down.

toothfairysandy <toothfairysandy@...> wrote:

I think my son has SM and not sure where to go for a dianosis and
get him help.  He talks up a storm at home but he won't speek at all
in school or daycare.  I would appreciate any suggestions at all.
Thank you. I am not sure where to start.





---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

    To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/selectivemutismsupportgroup2/

    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
selectivemutismsupportgroup2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.




---------------------------------
Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I think my son has SM and not sure where to go for a dianosis and
get him help.  He talks up a storm at home but he won't speek at all
in school or daycare.  I would appreciate any suggestions at all.
Thank you. I am not sure where to start.

Kenzie started after-school care two weeks ago.  The first day he did
not want to attend and told me he would start the next day.  His
teacher reported that she had seen him in daycare.  He was in a
corner absolutely fascinated by the static cling of his hair against
the wall and was proudly showing her.  He later told me he loved
daycare!

His sister told me was playing alot on the computer and liked one of
the Daycare teachers.  I checked with the Daycare and found out he
had bonded with the cook.  He was helping her and had even sat down
and eaten a meal in public.  He does not eat unless with family and
he ate at daycare.

Then his sister was sick one day and stayed home.  He went to daycare
alone.  That fact that he went willingly albeit a bit tentatively was
amazing.  When I went to pick him up, he was in the gymnasium sitting
in front of his new "friend".  He did not even notice me at first
till she told him I was there. He smiled and came over, grabbed my
sleeve and pulled me out to get his things together.

Yesterday, I picked him up and he was poking and tickling his teacher
and giggling at her with sound!  He was playing with her.  He was
lively and animate like at home.  She told me Kenzie did not like her
son.  She said when her little boy would come in, Kenzie's face would
just drop.  He is jealous!  How amazing is that.

We increased his Prozac daily dose to 2ml a day about two weeks ago.
His teacher has told me he was handing out papers at school when the
teacher asks and he was flirting with the three girls who sit with
him by falling off the chair to make them laugh.  He even came to see
the new computer game that the kids were trying.

Yes, thank you.
--- Angela McInnes <autumefire@...> wrote:

> Did the message/brochure get through?  I sent from
> my other address.
>
> nancy wong <nwong9999@...> wrote:Angela,
>
> I don't have the attachment.  Can you resend it.
>
> Thanks!
>
> P.S.  Is this conference for kids as well?  Just
> wondering since you are bringing your kids.
> --- Angela McInnes <autumefire@...> wrote:
>
> > Nancy,
> >
> > Here is the attached brochure.  I wasn't able to
> > post it up.  The information is I think ideal.  It
> > deals with depression and anxiety orders in
> > children, applying Cognitive Behavior Therapy.  We
> > may not be professionals but we should know what
> to
> > ask for, it potentials results and how it is being
> > applied.
> >
> > Please let me know if you will be going. I would
> > like to meet someone else who is seeking the same
> > information.  I am registering in it as I will be
> > down there already with my daughter and son.
> >
> > A.
> >
> > nancy wong <nwong9999@...> wrote:
> > You mentioned there is a two day workshop in
> > Edmonton,
> > can you provide more details?  I live in Vancouver
> > and
> > would be interested in finding more information.
> Is
> > there a website or phone number?
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> > --- autumefire <autumefire@...> wrote:
> >
> > >
> > > Yesterday, I brought my son in for his follow-up
> > > with our family
> > > physician since he started Prozac in early
> > December.
> > > The consult from
> > > the child psychiatrist was there on our file.
> The
> > > diagnosis of SM
> > > that he agreed with is not there. Instead he has
> > > that my son is
> > > overly attached to me and is suffering from
> > > seperation anxiety and
> > > there is a history of "shyness" in my family. I
> am
> > > seething with
> > > frustration.
> > >
> > > At least I had proof that the meds were helping
> > him.
> > > He got up on
> > > stage with his peers at the Christmas concert,
> the
> > > teacher commented
> > > on how "bright" he looked at school (he even
> asked
> > > her non-verbally
> > > for help with his totebag) before she even knew
> he
> > > was on the prozac.
> > > My son has been verbalizing his anxiety to me as
> > > well. He told me on
> > > the first day of school he had a stomachache and
> > he
> > > couldn't go into
> > > see his counsellor one day because his hair was
> > > messy.
> > >
> > > He even answered the telephone not knowing who
> was
> > > calling and
> > > said "Hello" in a gruff voice and ran away
> > laughing
> > > after he handed
> > > off the phone to his sister.
> > >
> > > There is a two-day workshop in Edmonton on
> > Cognitive
> > > and Behavorial
> > > Therapy for children with Anxienty and
> Depression
> > > disorders on Feb 25-
> > > 26. I am going to try to attend.
> > >
> > > A.
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > __________________________________
> > Do you Yahoo!?
> > Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced
> > search.
> > http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >    To visit your group on the web, go to:
> >
>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/selectivemutismsupportgroup2/
> >
> >    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email
> to:
> >
>
selectivemutismsupportgroup2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
> >
> >    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> > Yahoo! Terms of Service.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > ---------------------------------
> > Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals
> >
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been
> > removed]
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search.
> Learn more.
> http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>    To visit your group on the web, go to:
>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/selectivemutismsupportgroup2/
>
>    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
selectivemutismsupportgroup2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>




__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced search.
http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250

Did the message/brochure get through?  I sent from my other address.

nancy wong <nwong9999@...> wrote:Angela,

I don't have the attachment.  Can you resend it.

Thanks!

P.S.  Is this conference for kids as well?  Just
wondering since you are bringing your kids.
--- Angela McInnes <autumefire@...> wrote:

> Nancy,
>
> Here is the attached brochure.  I wasn't able to
> post it up.  The information is I think ideal.  It
> deals with depression and anxiety orders in
> children, applying Cognitive Behavior Therapy.  We
> may not be professionals but we should know what to
> ask for, it potentials results and how it is being
> applied.
>
> Please let me know if you will be going. I would
> like to meet someone else who is seeking the same
> information.  I am registering in it as I will be
> down there already with my daughter and son.
>
> A.
>
> nancy wong <nwong9999@...> wrote:
> You mentioned there is a two day workshop in
> Edmonton,
> can you provide more details?  I live in Vancouver
> and
> would be interested in finding more information.  Is
> there a website or phone number?
>
> Thanks!
>
> --- autumefire <autumefire@...> wrote:
>
> >
> > Yesterday, I brought my son in for his follow-up
> > with our family
> > physician since he started Prozac in early
> December.
> > The consult from
> > the child psychiatrist was there on our file. The
> > diagnosis of SM
> > that he agreed with is not there. Instead he has
> > that my son is
> > overly attached to me and is suffering from
> > seperation anxiety and
> > there is a history of "shyness" in my family. I am
> > seething with
> > frustration.
> >
> > At least I had proof that the meds were helping
> him.
> > He got up on
> > stage with his peers at the Christmas concert, the
> > teacher commented
> > on how "bright" he looked at school (he even asked
> > her non-verbally
> > for help with his totebag) before she even knew he
> > was on the prozac.
> > My son has been verbalizing his anxiety to me as
> > well. He told me on
> > the first day of school he had a stomachache and
> he
> > couldn't go into
> > see his counsellor one day because his hair was
> > messy.
> >
> > He even answered the telephone not knowing who was
> > calling and
> > said "Hello" in a gruff voice and ran away
> laughing
> > after he handed
> > off the phone to his sister.
> >
> > There is a two-day workshop in Edmonton on
> Cognitive
> > and Behavorial
> > Therapy for children with Anxienty and Depression
> > disorders on Feb 25-
> > 26. I am going to try to attend.
> >
> > A.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
> Do you Yahoo!?
> Yahoo! Mail - Find what you need with new enhanced
> search.
> http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250
>
> Yahoo! Groups SponsorADVERTISEMENT
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>    To visit your group on the web, go to:
>
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/selectivemutismsupportgroup2/
>
>    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>
selectivemutismsupportgroup2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>
>    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the
> Yahoo! Terms of Service.
>
>
>
>
>
> ---------------------------------
> Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been
> removed]
>
>




__________________________________
Do you Yahoo!?
Yahoo! Mail - Easier than ever with enhanced search. Learn more.
http://info.mail.yahoo.com/mail_250


---------------------------------
Yahoo! Groups Links

    To visit your group on the web, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/selectivemutismsupportgroup2/

    To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
selectivemutismsupportgroup2-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com

    Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.





---------------------------------
Post your free ad now! Yahoo! Canada Personals


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Angela,

I don't have the attachment.  Can you resend it.

Thanks!

P.S.  Is this conference for kids as well?  Just
wondering since you are bringing your kids.
--- Angela McInnes <autumefire@...> wrote:

> Nancy,
>
> Here is the attached brochure.  I wasn't able to
> post it up.  The information is I think ideal.  It
> deals with depression and anxiety orders in
> children, applying Cognitive Behavior Therapy.  We
> may not be professionals but we should know what to
> ask for, it potentials results and how it is being
> applied.
>
> Please let me know if you will be going. I would
> like to meet someone else who is seeking the same
> information.  I am registering in it as I will be
> down there already with my daughter and son.
>
> A.
>
> nancy wong <nwong9999@...> wrote:
> You mentioned there is a two day workshop in
> Edmonton,
> can you provide more details?  I live in Vancouver
> and
> would be interested in finding more information.  Is
> there a website or phone number?
>
> Thanks!
>
> --- autumefire <autumefire@...> wrote:
>
> >
> > Yesterday, I brought my son in for his follow-up
> > with our family
> > physician since he started Prozac in early
> December.
> > The consult from
> > the child psychiatrist was there on our file. The
> > diagnosis of SM
> > that he agreed with is not there. Instead he has
> > that my son is
> > overly attached to me and is suffering from
> > seperation anxiety and
> > there is a history of "shyness" in my family. I am
> > seething with
> > frustration.
> >
> > At least I had proof that the meds were helping
> him.
> > He got up on
> > stage with his peers at the Christmas concert, the
> > teacher commented
> > on how "bright" he looked at school (he even asked
> > her non-verbally
> > for help with his totebag) before she even knew he
> > was on the prozac.
> > My son has been verbalizing his anxiety to me as
> > well. He told me on
> > the first day of school he had a stomachache and
> he
> > couldn't go into
> > see his counsellor one day because his hair was
> > messy.
> >
> > He even answered the telephone not knowing who was
> > calling and
> > said "Hello" in a gruff voice and ran away
> laughing
> > after he handed
> > off the phone to his sister.
> >
> > There is a two-day workshop in Edmonton on
> Cognitive
> > and Behavorial
> > Therapy for children with Anxienty and Depression
> > disorders on Feb 25-
> > 26. I am going to try to attend.
> >
> > A.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
>
> __________________________________
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> removed]
>
>




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Nancy,

Here is the attached brochure.  I wasn't able to post it up.  The information is
I think ideal.  It deals with depression and anxiety orders in children,
applying Cognitive Behavior Therapy.  We may not be professionals but we should
know what to ask for, it potentials results and how it is being applied.

Please let me know if you will be going. I would like to meet someone else who
is seeking the same information.  I am registering in it as I will be down there
already with my daughter and son.

A.

nancy wong <nwong9999@...> wrote:
You mentioned there is a two day workshop in Edmonton,
can you provide more details?  I live in Vancouver and
would be interested in finding more information.  Is
there a website or phone number?

Thanks!

--- autumefire <autumefire@...> wrote:

>
> Yesterday, I brought my son in for his follow-up
> with our family
> physician since he started Prozac in early December.
> The consult from
> the child psychiatrist was there on our file. The
> diagnosis of SM
> that he agreed with is not there. Instead he has
> that my son is
> overly attached to me and is suffering from
> seperation anxiety and
> there is a history of "shyness" in my family. I am
> seething with
> frustration.
>
> At least I had proof that the meds were helping him.
> He got up on
> stage with his peers at the Christmas concert, the
> teacher commented
> on how "bright" he looked at school (he even asked
> her non-verbally
> for help with his totebag) before she even knew he
> was on the prozac.
> My son has been verbalizing his anxiety to me as
> well. He told me on
> the first day of school he had a stomachache and he
> couldn't go into
> see his counsellor one day because his hair was
> messy.
>
> He even answered the telephone not knowing who was
> calling and
> said "Hello" in a gruff voice and ran away laughing
> after he handed
> off the phone to his sister.
>
> There is a two-day workshop in Edmonton on Cognitive
> and Behavorial
> Therapy for children with Anxienty and Depression
> disorders on Feb 25-
> 26. I am going to try to attend.
>
> A.
>
>
>
>
>




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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Sue Ann,

Thanks for the note.  My first reaction when I read about the option
of using antidepressants for my son as part of the treatment for SM
along with CBT and Art Therapy, my instant reaction was I will never
medicate him.  Funny though the things that you yourself forget about
when you were younger.  I was on Prozac for about a year for severe
depression in my early 20's.  I recognized it as the "Beast" when I
read about it a magazine.  I thought it was normal until then.  I
look back and know now that it was always there.

In the literature I read, there are warnings that if the SM child is
left untreated/undiagnosed, they may grow up to experience severe
depression, addictions to use as coping strategies for their anxiety
and even suicidal tendancies.  I am a mother, pure and simple, and I
wanted to keep my baby safe.  I wanted to keep him from becoming
falling into the place I was so I made the decision that I would try
everything including the medication.

Yesterday after our doctor's appointment, his meds were increased to
2 ml/day.  My hope is that with the meds alleviating some of his
sense of anxiety, he can experience what he was afraid to participate
in before.  He will continue his therapy with his counsellors and we
will be putting together an evolving work plan for him.   If he can
learn the skills to cope, the skills to interact and participate, we
will have won.

People who knew me 20 years ago describe me as shy and withdrawn.
Those who have known me for that past ten or so, say I am assertive,
blunt and friendly. It did not change who I am, I still feel the
tightening inside my chest, the reluctance to enter the store and
sometimes I don't pick up the phone when I don't recognize the
number.  Otherwise, I take a deep breath, stand up straight and just
do it.  I do it for my children.   My son will be free from his
anxiety one day.  We just have to work to get there.


--- In selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com, stewsweetie@a...
wrote:
> Autumn,
>     I can see how frustrated you must be over this.  I remember one
of the
> first articles I read off the internet about selective mutism
suggested that
> children are this way because of an over-domineering mother and
lots of other
> nasty things about mother's being the cause of this disorder.  It
scared me to
> death !  I was so glad to find better information on the subject.
Maybe your
> Dr. read something like what I read at first.
>     I also have a question for you.  I'm sort of new to the group
and I read
> about the prozac alternative.  Exactly what does the prozac do to
help the
> children with selective mutism ?  I'm a little leary of medicating
my daughter
> with an anti-depressant.  I'm glad it seems to working for your
son, though.
>
> SueAnne
>
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

You mentioned there is a two day workshop in Edmonton,
can you provide more details?  I live in Vancouver and
would be interested in finding more information.  Is
there a website or phone number?

Thanks!

--- autumefire <autumefire@...> wrote:

>
> Yesterday, I brought my son in for his follow-up
> with our family
> physician since he started Prozac in early December.
> The consult from
> the child psychiatrist was there on our file. The
> diagnosis of SM
> that he agreed with is not there. Instead he has
> that my son is
> overly attached to me and is suffering from
> seperation anxiety and
> there is a history of "shyness" in my family. I am
> seething with
> frustration.
>
> At least I had proof that the meds were helping him.
> He got up on
> stage with his peers at the Christmas concert, the
> teacher commented
> on how "bright" he looked at school (he even asked
> her non-verbally
> for help with his totebag) before she even knew he
> was on the prozac.
> My son has been verbalizing his anxiety to me as
> well. He told me on
> the first day of school he had a stomachache and he
> couldn't go into
> see his counsellor one day because his hair was
> messy.
>
> He even answered the telephone not knowing who was
> calling and
> said "Hello" in a gruff voice and ran away laughing
> after he handed
> off the phone to his sister.
>
> There is a two-day workshop in Edmonton on Cognitive
> and Behavorial
> Therapy for children with Anxienty and Depression
> disorders on Feb 25-
> 26. I am going to try to attend.
>
> A.
>
>
>
>
>




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Hi, I read your emails.  My daughter was put on prozac for 8 months for SM.  She
was 4 at the time.  She did very nicely with it.  It just lowered her
inhibitions and social anxiety to the point that she was able to talk to kids
and play with them.  Prior to meds, she spoke to no one, played with no one,
didnt participate in anything; except of course with family.  Also, she was
recieving therapy with a psychologist who worked with SM.  I can say that there
were no real negative side affects, except she was more chatty and wired at
home.  The dr. lowered her meds to calm her down.  Today she is almost 6.  She
has friends at school.  Can read aloud to her teacher and participates in every
activity at school.  She is still very shy with most adults and will not speak
to them; except to answer a simple yes/no question.  Her SM isnt completely
gone, but she is definetely participating in life.  I hope her SM will improve
with age,but who knows.
Victoria

stewsweetie@... wrote:
Autumn,
     I can see how frustrated you must be over this.  I remember one of the
first articles I read off the internet about selective mutism suggested that
children are this way because of an over-domineering mother and lots of other
nasty things about mother's being the cause of this disorder.  It scared me to
death !  I was so glad to find better information on the subject.  Maybe your
Dr. read something like what I read at first.
     I also have a question for you.  I'm sort of new to the group and I read
about the prozac alternative.  Exactly what does the prozac do to help the
children with selective mutism ?  I'm a little leary of medicating my daughter
with an anti-depressant.  I'm glad it seems to working for your son, though.

SueAnne



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Autumn,
     I can see how frustrated you must be over this.  I remember one of the
first articles I read off the internet about selective mutism suggested that
children are this way because of an over-domineering mother and lots of other
nasty things about mother's being the cause of this disorder.  It scared me to
death !  I was so glad to find better information on the subject.  Maybe your
Dr. read something like what I read at first.
     I also have a question for you.  I'm sort of new to the group and I read
about the prozac alternative.  Exactly what does the prozac do to help the
children with selective mutism ?  I'm a little leary of medicating my daughter
with an anti-depressant.  I'm glad it seems to working for your son, though.

SueAnne



[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Yesterday, I brought my son in for his follow-up with our family
physician since he started Prozac in early December. The consult from
the child psychiatrist was there on our file. The diagnosis of SM
that he agreed with is not there. Instead he has that my son is
overly attached to me and is suffering from seperation anxiety and
there is a history of "shyness" in my family. I am seething with
frustration.

At least I had proof that the meds were helping him. He got up on
stage with his peers at the Christmas concert, the teacher commented
on how "bright" he looked at school (he even asked her non-verbally
for help with his totebag) before she even knew he was on the prozac.
My son has been verbalizing his anxiety to me as well. He told me on
the first day of school he had a stomachache and he couldn't go into
see his counsellor one day because his hair was messy.

He even answered the telephone not knowing who was calling and
said "Hello" in a gruff voice and ran away laughing after he handed
off the phone to his sister.

There is a two-day workshop in Edmonton on Cognitive and Behavorial
Therapy for children with Anxienty and Depression disorders on Feb 25-
26. I am going to try to attend.

A.

Hi Phyl and Sue-Ann,

We started my son on 1.24 mg of Prozac this week.  I know that the physicians
tell you that it takes weeks for you to see any effects if any.  Yesterday, my
son walked willing up on stage with his class mates (he is six) and stood in
there took a deep breath and sang within himself.  No sound came out but he
stood there, head up with the rest and sang without sound.  His teacher gave him
15 stickers!  That evening he went to the actual Christmas concert and stood on
with the children while they sang.  He almost laughed a few times.  He tried to
make a run for it and was prodded back on stage and stayed.

I also credit this change to the information in the books by Elisa Shipon-Blum,
"Easing Jitters For S-M Children in the Classroom" and "The Ideal Classroom
Setting for S-M Children."  The books gave us practical ideas and answers.  Art
was stressed and now he is spending alot of his time in class coloring, working
with playdough.  He is still not participating in the centres but we will catch
up on his school work over the break and hand it in January.  I shared the
booklets with his therapist and teacher and will be doing so with the physician
and counsellor soon as well.

I've found reading everything I can get my hands on gives me comfort.  I have
answers - not all but some and I have proof in my hands that it is real.  I
still cannot explain why he will talk in a crowded airport or in a store but
freeze and stiffen up, quickly drawing into his hidden self as we start to walk
down the hallway of the school.

The Educational Psychologist suggested that I homeschool my son.  I stoutly
refused.  He may be silent but he still sees and hears.  He still plays quietly
with Aurora, gently flicking her in the arm to get his silent messages to her. 
It is amazing to see how these group of children have learned to communicate
with him.  Why would I take him way from his own support group?  I asked him a
bit ago if he wished to go into English class (he is in French Immersion).  He
asked me what was English and what happens in that class.  After explaining, he
thought on it and said no, he liked his friends and he loved his teacher.  He
wanted to stay.

We are getting so caught up with listening to everyone around us telling us our
children are just shy, they will grow out of it, put them in a diiferent
environment, watch the dance between yourselves so that you are not enabling
them...that we forget their wishes, their voices, their wants and preferences. 
I may talk for my son at time but I hope that I always remember to listen to him
first before I speak.

Every day I check this site.  The comfort is gives me is not what I expected.  I
hope that you find the same from all of our voices.

A.
phyllis_m7 <phyllis_m7@...> wrote:

Hi SueAnne

As the old saying goes, "if I only knew then, what I know now", I
would have recognized that Jake had SM earlier.  I think that it
really started affecting him around 2 years of age, that when he, as
I thought developed his shyness.  That's when he started being
selective as to who he would talk or associate with.  When Jake was
in kindergarden, he wouldn't speak, at least in front of anyone.  His
teached was able to get him to speak to her in whispers.  So, I
thought that he was getting out of his shyness.  About the last 4-5
months of school, he was actually playing on the playground, and
playing with other children, but still not talking.  When he started
1st grade, he was completely silent.  He did his work in class yet
would not talk not even in a whisper.  Around the middle of October,
he started crying on a daily basis at school, would cry in the
mornings when getting out of bed and he would actually make himself
so sick that he would start vomiting.  Therefore, he would miss
school.  I then decided that this was way over my head, I just didn't
know what to do, so I made an appointment with psychiatry within our
HMO, was given an appointment 2 weeks later.  She started him on an
incentive plan, if he would whisper or talk, he would get a gift.  He
whispered 9 words in 30 days, but he still cryed on a daily basis.
And he missed many days of school.  The counselor diagnosed him as
having SM and felt that she would not be able to see him any more
than once a month and suggested that I contact his school district to
request that the school psychologist meet with us.  This happened
really fast.  I was referred to a counseling group which consist of
interns, but these people felt that they could not give Jake the
specialized treatment that he would require. So I was sent to another
counseling service that has someone that is currently counseling
another child with SM.  Jake has seen her 3 times now and he still
hasn't spoken, but he wants to continue to go see her.  He has been
qualified for counseling at least until December 2005 and longer if
needed.  I was told that most pediatricians do not recognize this
disorder, the feel that the child is just shy.  That is what Jake's
doctor has told me many times and explained how shy she was as a
child.  I have been really fortunate that Jake's school is working
with me on this.  Jake has really bad anxiety attacks.  He hates
recess because there are too many kids, he hates going to lunch in
the cafateria because it's too noisy and he is required to say his
name when he orders his lunch.  He does say his name but in a faint
whisper.  I met with his principal, teacher and school psychologist a
couple of weeks ago and I told him how Jake panics at lunch.  So the
priciple has given me permission to take Jake away from school at
lunch.  Jake's therapist suggested that I ask for the school to start
a Individual Education Plan for Jake.  I have mixed feelings about
this because I don't want to Jake out of a school that is familiar
with, afraid that this too will cause more anxiety.

I feel so sorry for our kids, they are suffering inside, at least I
know Jake is.  There is this great kid that is wanting to be like the
other kids, but just can't do it.  At least not now.

Boy was I long winded.  sorry

Phyllis



--- In selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com, stewsweetie@a...
wrote:
> Phyllis,
>     Welcome to the board .  I'm new here too and have more
questions than
> answeres, but agree with you that it's just great to find a support
for other's
> who's children are in the same boat.  Our 7 yr. old daughter is the
only child
> we know who seems to not speak.  Our daughter will speak to most of
the
> children we know ( although only in a whisper - not loud and rowdy
like my other
> children ) but will not speak to adults, except for her
grandparents.  And she
> once went through a whole week trip where she wouldn't speak to my
parents, but
> that was a few years ago.  She now speaks to them.
>     So, what was your first step in getting your grandson
officially
> diagnosed ?  I'm thinking of going first to our pediatrician and
see what he thinks
> and to see if he knows anything about this disorder.  Also, is your
grandson in
> school ?
>
> SueAnne
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]




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---------------------------------
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Hi SueAnne

As the old saying goes, "if I only knew then, what I know now", I
would have recognized that Jake had SM earlier.  I think that it
really started affecting him around 2 years of age, that when he, as
I thought developed his shyness.  That's when he started being
selective as to who he would talk or associate with.  When Jake was
in kindergarden, he wouldn't speak, at least in front of anyone.  His
teached was able to get him to speak to her in whispers.  So, I
thought that he was getting out of his shyness.  About the last 4-5
months of school, he was actually playing on the playground, and
playing with other children, but still not talking.  When he started
1st grade, he was completely silent.  He did his work in class yet
would not talk not even in a whisper.  Around the middle of October,
he started crying on a daily basis at school, would cry in the
mornings when getting out of bed and he would actually make himself
so sick that he would start vomiting.  Therefore, he would miss
school.  I then decided that this was way over my head, I just didn't
know what to do, so I made an appointment with psychiatry within our
HMO, was given an appointment 2 weeks later.  She started him on an
incentive plan, if he would whisper or talk, he would get a gift.  He
whispered 9 words in 30 days, but he still cryed on a daily basis.
And he missed many days of school.  The counselor diagnosed him as
having SM and felt that she would not be able to see him any more
than once a month and suggested that I contact his school district to
request that the school psychologist meet with us.  This happened
really fast.  I was referred to a counseling group which consist of
interns, but these people felt that they could not give Jake the
specialized treatment that he would require. So I was sent to another
counseling service that has someone that is currently counseling
another child with SM.  Jake has seen her 3 times now and he still
hasn't spoken, but he wants to continue to go see her.  He has been
qualified for counseling at least until December 2005 and longer if
needed.  I was told that most pediatricians do not recognize this
disorder, the feel that the child is just shy.  That is what Jake's
doctor has told me many times and explained how shy she was as a
child.  I have been really fortunate that Jake's school is working
with me on this.  Jake has really bad anxiety attacks.  He hates
recess because there are too many kids, he hates going to lunch in
the cafateria because it's too noisy and he is required to say his
name when he orders his lunch.  He does say his name but in a faint
whisper.  I met with his principal, teacher and school psychologist a
couple of weeks ago and I told him how Jake panics at lunch.  So the
priciple has given me permission to take Jake away from school at
lunch.  Jake's therapist suggested that I ask for the school to start
a Individual Education Plan for Jake.  I have mixed feelings about
this because I don't want to Jake out of a school that is familiar
with, afraid that this too will cause more anxiety.

I feel so sorry for our kids, they are suffering inside, at least I
know Jake is.  There is this great kid that is wanting to be like the
other kids, but just can't do it.  At least not now.

Boy was I long winded.  sorry

Phyllis



--- In selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com, stewsweetie@a...
wrote:
> Phyllis,
>     Welcome to the board .  I'm new here too and have more
questions than
> answeres, but agree with you that it's just great to find a support
for other's
> who's children are in the same boat.  Our 7 yr. old daughter is the
only child
> we know who seems to not speak.  Our daughter will speak to most of
the
> children we know ( although only in a whisper - not loud and rowdy
like my other
> children ) but will not speak to adults, except for her
grandparents.  And she
> once went through a whole week trip where she wouldn't speak to my
parents, but
> that was a few years ago.  She now speaks to them.
>     So, what was your first step in getting your grandson
officially
> diagnosed ?  I'm thinking of going first to our pediatrician and
see what he thinks
> and to see if he knows anything about this disorder.  Also, is your
grandson in
> school ?
>
> SueAnne
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Phyllis,
     Welcome to the board .  I'm new here too and have more questions than
answeres, but agree with you that it's just great to find a support for other's
who's children are in the same boat.  Our 7 yr. old daughter is the only child
we know who seems to not speak.  Our daughter will speak to most of the
children we know ( although only in a whisper - not loud and rowdy like my other
children ) but will not speak to adults, except for her grandparents.  And she
once went through a whole week trip where she wouldn't speak to my parents, but
that was a few years ago.  She now speaks to them.
     So, what was your first step in getting your grandson officially
diagnosed ?  I'm thinking of going first to our pediatrician and see what he
thinks
and to see if he knows anything about this disorder.  Also, is your grandson in
school ?

SueAnne


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

I just recently became a member.  I have a 6 year old grandson, Jake,
recently diagnosed with SM.  I'm so glad to find people that
understand his problem.  We just started counseling, tomorrow will be
his 3rd session, we go on a weekly basis.  He hasn't talked yet, but
in due time.  His counselor has another SM child she is working with,
so at least, she is familiar with these type of problems.  I feel so
new at this, I'm not sure if I say that my grandson, has a problem,
condition or what.  I don't want to put labels on him, yet, I want
people to know that he can't help being the way he is.

I'm rambling so I'll go, I just wanted to say thanks for sharing your
thought, they have been very informative.

phyllis

we're in very much the same boat my daughter also started high school this
year, and although she is still short of actually talking in school she has
made many improvements. I was told early on that the big change associated
with high school can often be a catalyst for SM kids and it does seem to be
helping. Hopefully both girls will continue to progress, and others  will
get some hope for the future.  Good Luck to you and your daughter
----- Original Message -----
From: <abell50758@...>
To: <selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Friday, December 10, 2004 7:42 AM
Subject: [Selective Mutism Support Group] Hi from the UK


>
> Hi all, I've came across your group some time ago and for a while have
> been in the background reading your stories.  We also have the same tale
> to tell.  My daughter is now nearly 12 and I have fought for years to find
> information about SM and although it seems to be a recognised condition
> here in the UK, again there is very little help available.  Nobody really
> seems to know what to do.  Like many of you, I became the expert.
>
> She has never spoken outside the home to anyone and her social anxiety
> level is severe.  However, in September this year she moved up to high
> school and although we have not cracked the communication issue, suddenly
> she is able to do all sorts of things that she could not do before, and
> participates in classes in a way that would have been unthinkable a few
> months ago.
>
> I can only say that so much of the "getting over" this difficulty is down
> to the individual child.  Despite years of trying to help her and getting
> nowhere, she finally reached a point in her life where she was ready to
> move on and it is all now looking so much more positive.  Teachers and
> children are still waiting to hear her speak, but I am just now so excited
> to see her doing things that she could never have done before.
>
> We still have a long way to go, but this may provide some hope to those of
> you with very young SM children who feel the kind of despair that I have
> felt at times.
>
> Anne
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Hi SueAnne, I would talk to the school about your daughter and see how
responsive they are to her problems before I made any decisions. Some
schools are very helpful and some just think you're a nut. A school that
will help your daughter could be a good tool for you. Start with talking to
the principal or speech therapist (if there is one ). Bring along as much
info as you can, books, websites etc. and see if they're responsive to you.
If your daughter really wants to go there and they're willing to help I
would try it with the understanding that you can always go back to home
schooling if it doesn't work out. Good Luck  Beth
----- Original Message -----
From: <stewsweetie@...>
To: <Selectivemutismsupportgroup2@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Thursday, December 09, 2004 8:03 AM
Subject: [Selective Mutism Support Group] New here ~


>
>    My name is SueAnne and I live in Houston, TX .  I have four children
> and
> homsechool them all.  I believe my youngest daughter ( also my youngest
> child
> ) suffers from selective mutism.  She is seven years old and seems to have
> had
> the disorder for about three years now.
>    Our home is situated very nicely within our neighborhood.  I call it a
> "
> childs heaven " .  Our community is gated so our children have the freedom
> to
> ride their bikes and such in relative safety.  We also live right across
> the
> street from our neighborhood park and ball field.  Every evening there are
> anywhere from five to fifteen children playing there and my daughter is
> always in
> the " thick " of it.  She'll talk to just about all of the children but
> will
> not talk to any of the parents.  She'll not talk to her Sunday School
> teacher
> and my neighbors are beginning to get somewhat offended because she'll
> only
> stare at the ground or straight ahead when they speak to her.
>    Of course, at home she's the biggest chatter box I've ever heard !  And
> she's very bright with her studies and loves math.
>    Two years ago we moved from San Antonio to Houston and I had to put our
> home on the real estate market.  I found a small charter school close to
> my
> home to put the children in for one semester while I tried to sell my
> home.  She
> was put in a pre-school program where she would participate in songs,
> crafts,
> playground activities but would not speak to her teachers.  Her teachers
> were
> sweet and did not force her and just tried to assess her by observation.
>    I've only been researching Selective Mutism for a week now, but from
> what
> I've read she needs a consistent practice in trying to overcome the
> disorder.
> I'm seriously considering putting her in our neighborhood elementary
> school
> in the hopes of giving her a constant, social interaction.  Does this
> sound
> like a good idea ?  Also, if I do enroll her for next August, should I
> begin
> preparing her new school about the disorder ?  And if I do, how should I
> go about
> doing this ?
>    I'd like to say that she really does want to go to this school.  I'm
> not
> sure why, but it is a desire of hers.  She mentioned this to me a couple
> of
> weeks ago and I told her I'd enroll her if she began talking to some of
> our
> friends.  I wasn't very educated on selective mutism at the time and I now
> regret
> saying it.  I really don't want to put her in public school but at the
> time I
> figured I'd do anything to encourage her to speak to others.
>    Any views on my daughters situation would be appriciated.
>
> SueAnne
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Just received the following books in the mail:  The Anxiety Cure for
Kids:  A Guide for Parents - Dupont Spencer, Dupont & Dupont; , Keys
to Parenting Your Anxious Child - Manassis; Understanding Katie -
Shipon-Blum; Easing School Jitters for the Selectively Mute Child -
Shipon-Blum; and the Ideal Classroom Setting for the Selectively Mute
Child - Shipon-Blum.

The books from Dr. Elisa Shipon-Blum were perfect for my needs.  I am
going to share them with my son's "Care team" and make our plan.  The
book answeres those general questions that we have and makes so much
sense.  The others I will read this weekend.

I ordered a book called The Selective Mutism Resource Manual.  It was
reccomended by Lin G. from the "Silent Child" -Canadian SM site.
Very hard to find.  I found it finally on Amazon.co.uk and ordered it
from there.

Feeling very encouraged after reviewing Dr. Shipon-Blum's books.  I
have more books coming on S-M from Amazon.

I asked my son last night if he wanted to try an English Speaking
Class isntead of French Immersion.  He asked me to explain what
happened in an English Class.  I did and he thought about it and said
he really liked his teacher and his friends and wanted to stay where
he was because he liked it.

The art was really encouraged in Shipon-Blum's books.  Kenzie loves
to take digital pictures and use the videocamera.  I picked up alot
of craft items such as carpet weaving, pipecleaners, cotton puff
balls, googley eyes, psyanky supplies, cake decorating supplies.  I
am a Beaver Leader which he is in and Brownies as well.  You
volunteer in what your children do and enjoy.  So I figured maybe we
could set up a craft and art room.

We bring in our dogs and rabbits for pet therapy with our Elders Day
Program.  Last time I brought in Kenzie and he had so much fund.  He
never spoke other than whispers to me but he ran around bringing the
rabbits to the elders.  We were asked back for January and I think we
will bring him then too.

For his birthday in October, I hosted a Haunted House theme party.
We sent out 24 invitations and 23 kids showed up.  He was so happy.
He never talked the entire party that I know of but he was
interacting and playing and going in the different themed rooms with
his friends.  Maybe because he was in costume he could still hide.

One of the reasons I wear glasses instead of contacts is because it
allows me to feel hidden.  I think he may feel that way when he
looking through the lens of the camera.

All the responses I received to my posting were so appreciated.  You
feel so alone.

Thank you.