How do I get an assessment done??

Isis_Black

I am thinking that my 13 year old daughter could possibly have selective mutism or possibly aspergers syndrome.

Now all through her school years she's always been quiet and became a running joke at parents evening that she won't talk.

She won't talk to friends, she very rarely talks to grandparents only at a push. And when out in the shops she gets freaked out by over crowded places no if someone talks to her she just clams up and says nothing which they then interpret as her being ignorant and rude

She seems her happiest in her room on her computer, she will talk to us and her sisters but when she doesn't want to she just clams up.

Now she's in high school they do citizenship lessons which she's doing very poorly at as she won't communicate and join in

I have been into her school before to talk to her personal tutor and the school nurse but nothing ever came of it and I'm really starting to worry this is going to have a serious effect on the rest of her life.

I would really like her to be assessed but no idea how to go about getting one sorted, I will be able to tell her they're not scary as I had one done last year for dyslexia turned out I have dyspraxia.

I just really worry about her

Parva

You really need to speak to the school and exhaust all possibilities there and hopefully they can also point you in the direction of further help. Without wanting to sound harsh but will be, are you certain that this is not 'normal' teenage behaviour?

Isis_Black

We have thought its normal teen but she's always been like it and I mean always :-s

Prinzessilein

Hi, I have Aspergers and am selective mute.

There can be a number of reasons for your daughter not talking - especially if she was communicating verbally until recently. Don;t get too fixed on any particular diagnosis until it is confirmed.

There are two routes that you need to explore with regards to getting a diagnosis, and any help your daughter may need.

You need to talk to the school. Ask to speak to the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) - although depending where you live they may have a different title. Some SENCOs are able to screen/test for various conditions, and they may be able to arrange an appointment with an Educational Psychologist. You will need to be firm and determined - but not rude or over-pushy!....The SENCO can also help with the process of getting extra help in class if your daughter is deemed to need this.

At the same time you can go and see your GP. S/he may be able to help, or may agree to refer your daughter to a specialist for examination/diagnosis.

You state that your daughter has been 'like it' always. It would help the SENCO and your GP or specialist that you see if you could make a list of exactly what you mean by 'like it' ...make notes on what 'unusual' behaviour you noticed - and when....was she a late talker?....walker....how did she settle at nursery...Primary school ....when did she become selective mute...which people does she talk to...does she have friends at school?....

I understand that you feel a little stressed at the moment, but try not to project this onto your daughter. There is help available - but you may need to press for it.

Savvy_Sue

When we needed to get DS1 assessed so that he could have extra time in his GCSEs, the school said to take him to our GP, who then referred him back to the school doctor / medical service.

But we didn't need 'help' beyond that: you might need referral to CAHMS if she's not getting support in school.

Mind you, if it's just Citizenship she's doing very badly at, I'm not sure I'd be losing sleep ... I can see mutism would impact on other subjects though!

Penny-Pincher!!

The school should sort any assessments needed doing as they get the ball rolling for anything else needed with special need cases.

Its interesting as Ive been studying about elective mutism for the past few weeks now. Just a little light reading :-)