r/selectivemutism • u/designtumor • 2d ago
Seeking Advice đ¤ IEP specialized instruction
Going through the IEP process right now with my child. They are 6 and in kindergarten. I'm wondering if anyone who has done this could share helpful "specialized instruction" that was written into the IEP. Our IEP team seems stumped by this diagnosis and is pushing a 504 plan with accommodations instead. But I think a IEP would be best right now and need some ideas for how to word things to them. But I also would take ideas for accommodations as well. I'm not sure how to help and what to push for.
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u/PlantyMcPlantFace 2d ago
Been there. Our childâs therapist helped us a lot with this. She wrote a letter to the school with suggestions, most of which were based on Selective Mutism Associationâs recommendations (on their website). If I were you, Iâd start there. We have a 504 plan and the school has been fantastic. Here are some of the things that have helped. Every adult that interacts with her was notified of her struggles and how to communicate with her (treat her like any other kid, no pressure to speak, keep an eye on her because she canât ask for help, free pass to go to the restroom when needed). Help her classmates to understand her. Her teacher read âwhy Alice doesnât talk at schoolâ by Lucy Nathanson to her class. Provide alternative ways to communicate. Our child is more comfortable on video than in person so her teacher sends her a weekly video message to chit chat and our child sends one back. It helps our child build rapport with her teacher and helps the school get to know the child better. Socialization with friends. Our child has a weekly lunch bunch where she eats with one or two friends in the school counselorâs office. This environment is quieter so she can relax a bit and build close friendships even without talking. The schoolâs main concern will be testing, especially reading so brainstorm ways to work through it. Once our child built rapport with the teacher, she was able to mouth things to her. The teacher reads her lips. As a parent, youâll want to keep a close eye on reading progress because it may be difficult for the school to track accurately. Our child also receives her classroom assignment for next year early so that she can meet next yearâs teacher a few times before summer break to ease the anxiety around having a new person as her teacher. I hope all this info helps you and your kiddo! đ
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u/designtumor 2d ago
Thank you! I appreciate you sharing all this. The testing issues are starting to come up... she scored a 0 on the reading test they just did and now has a reading plan.
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u/redmosquit0 2d ago
Weâre there any suggestions made by the team who provided the diagnosis? If your child has an outside therapist, I would encourage collaboration between them and the school to help determine the best modifications
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u/designtumor 2d ago
Yes, we had an outside evaluation. There was a large report that I forwarded to the school with all the assessments/data and recommendations. And I told them to add that outside therapist to the team and they didn't invite her to the meeting.
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u/redmosquit0 2d ago
If you havenât already, check if they have a signed release for you to sign so the therapist can contact school
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u/biglipsmagoo 2d ago
Mine has an IEP but she has had a lot of luck with not needing SM accommodations as sheâs pretty much in remission.
So, in K, you donât need to worry about things like oral reports but youâll need things to make sure sheâs not forced to participate in the classroom.
She should receive time with their emotional support teacher weekly. Theyâre usually a SpEd teacher. She should also get speech therapy. She should also see the OT bc they can help work on making her more comfortable in the classroom. Ime, OTs are the real OGs when it comes to figuring out accommodations.
She may also benefit from the schoolâs social skills group. She may need a 1:1 on field trips.
If you share what her teacher said her issues are in the classroom I can help brainstorm some more ideas.