This episode features the latest installment of our Ask Dr. E series.
In Episode 26 of the Unspoken Words Podcast, we answer four listener questions, including whether the use of basic signs is good for a Selective Mute child, to what to do when specific accommodations don’t seem to be working, to what to do when your child is scared to ask to go to the bathroom at school, and more.
Below are 10 topics discussed during the episode:
- Anxiety & Transitions – End-of-year changes provoke anxiety in children with SM, affecting their adaptability and comfort.
- Listener Questions– Dr. E addresses using signs for communication and effective accommodations for children with SM.
- Mental Health Support – The SMart Center’s new mental health department offers counseling and assessments for various psychological issues. Learn more HERE!
- Sign Language Caution – Use signs with caution; goal is verbal communication, avoid nonverbal reliance.
- Voice Volume Reasoning – Whispering in children may indicate discomfort in group settings or sensory overload.
- Bridging to Speech– Strategies must guide children from nonverbal communication toward speaking.
- Questioning Techniques – Teachers using specific questioning can promote verbal responses from children with SM.
- Nonverbal Stage – Nonverbal communication is a bridge, not an endpoint; initiate verbal progression.
- Facilitate, Don’t Wait – Interventions are crucial; parents and teachers should actively facilitate verbal initiatives.
- Personalized Therapy – Therapy must adapt to individual responses; consider medication as a supplement to strategies.
Questions:
(2:39) I am a kindergarten teacher that uses basic signs with all my students, including my student with SM. Is this ok?
(9:56) Despite weekly lunch bunches, my child in pre-school hasn’t seen much improvement. Do you have any recommendations on how do we get her past this stage?
(20:37) My child doesn’t feel comfortable asking to go to the bathroom in school, so he doesn’t drink out of his water bottle. How do we handle this?
(26:37) Recommendations for ways to continue progressing during sessions now that the child’s mom can no longer be present.
