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Subject: [MK8] selective mute... update!

From: Paul and Meredith Inserra

Date: Thu, 13 May 2010 21:19:55 -0400

An update: A few years ago I told y'all about a little boy I had who was a
"selective mute." I had never heard of such a thing! It's an anxiety
disorder. I read the diagnostic notes from his doctor in his cumulative
folder and read all the strategies suggested for teachers. I tried the
strategies all the way through his third grade year with no luck. I heard
that he would speak to his classmates and at home. Then I heard he would
occasionally speak in his classroom to his classroom teacher, but he
wouldn't speak to ME or in MY room to me. He would shake his head, point,
or communicate in other non-verbal ways though. He also participated in
everything and was very well behaved. And he would sing along during group
singing, so I didn't worry about it. This year he's in 4th grade and a
couple of weeks ago he raised his hand, I called on him, and he responded to
a question. Inside I was jumping up and down, but I tried not to let on how
excited I was because I didn't want to embarrass him. Yesterday he came up
to me to ask me a question while we were giving out materials for an
activity. It's so great that he now feels comfortable enough to speak to
me. I want to tell him how proud I am of him for speaking to me and how
heartwarming it is to hear his voice, but I don't want to embarrass him.
How would you tell him without making him feel uncomfortable, or would you
leave it unsaid? I just wanna grab him and hug him!!!!!! But I'm afraid,
as a 4th grade boy getting over an anxiety disorder, he'd be horrified at
that kind of attention. LOL!

Meredith in NC

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