Advice Needed - Been told today 12yr old DS has Selective Mutism & Autism.

[MrsIncredible23]

DS went through Primary School with minimal verbal communication, some temper tantrums and bad behaviour in class & playground but otherwise successful accademically. No real friends after Yr 3 and a single observation from a Ed Psych found no issues he transferred to Secondary School we felt successfully (for him) and had a good first 2 terms - even making new friends and generally enjoying going to school - although he was bullied and didn't always participate fully in lessons.

School have really cracked down over last few weeks with him complying and have been questioning why none of his 'issues' were picked up and dealt with in Primary School.

He has now been suspended for a second time in 2 weeks and after an observation by another Ed Pysch it is being suggested that he has Selective Mutism (the possibility of which I had raised before) and has Autistic tendancies.

Where do I go for support for DS & for us as a family.

I would repost this on Special Needs: Children as it is much busier and there are lots of ladies with older children on there. My DS is only 5 and we are only at the start of the process of diagnosis.

If you have only been seen by the EP, it sounds like you would be good to go to your GP and explain what has been happening and ask for a Developmental Paediatrician who can assess your DS fully.

I agree with Ben10's advice and start with your GP and ask for a referral. My Dd has been diagnosed with Asperger's and Selective Mutism, but it was only when she started Secondary that her autism really caused problems for her. School was not at all supportive in the beginning but our GP's were fabulous throughout and directing us to the right services.

Good luck getting the support you need.

The guru on Selective mutism is called Maggie Johnson and she has written an excellent book and runs amazing courses about it - she also still works with children - not sure where you live? As for the ASD - the National Autistic society have local support groups and access to lots of information and specialists. There are also County run Autism Advisory services with helplines and in school support workers. Once you have a definitive diagnosis all this should kick in and if not you can ring these people and get them involved. Good luck