ECHP for selective mutism

[Twizbe]

We've just started the process of getting an EHCP for our 4 year old. We have the full backing of our preschool SENco and the area SENco.

Our son is a lovely boy and at home is like any other 4 year old. We have no concerns over his speaking, listening or understanding. We don't have any ASD concerns either.

Away from us though, he's mute and doesn't really engage with anyone. We've had a speech therapist appointment where SM is strongly suspected.

I've heard from SMIRA that parents often struggle to get ECHP for selective mutism alone. Has anyone here been able to get one? Have any advice?

Apply for an EHCNA. The only test for a needs assessment is has or may have SEN and may need SEN provision to be made via an EHCP. DS meets that test - he has SM and he is unable to properly access education, engage and communicate at school. Don't be put off if the LA refuse appeal.

Yes for SM but there were other issues too, including ASD. SM , as a previous poster notes, stops a child from accessing aspects of education and can be a barrier to learning. Also, from a professional perspective, as well as a parental one, be prepared to explain the condition again and again to education staff. It’s rare, especially in a secondary child - a long way off for you, I know, and my experience has been that some people don’t ‘get it’ and think the child is very shy or even rude. I would also look at applying for DLA.