refusing to speak...

[Guest guest]

My son (10) won't spaek in the therapist's office, he will only nod

slightly yes or no, he also covers his mouth or whole face with his

hands or shirt.

He has had two days of school refusal thus far (got him him in late

both days) and in meeting with the principle, who was very nice and

trying to set up accomodations, he did the same thing-not speaking,

hiding his face. I am now worried this is going to inhibit

communication with his classroom teacher as well.

He is dealing with increase in his contamination issues (hates to have

his desk or chair touched, freaking out over flies, won't let anyone

touch his stuff at home, won't sit at the table to eat b/c not clean)

and he has always had a degree of social anxiety and getting blocked or

extremely anxious when observed, even with simple things around the

house. He gets blocked on math but it seems like it is starting to

affect writing too. So overall his school anxiety seems to be alot

worse this year.

Anyone else deal with a kid refusing to speak? I'm wondering how he is

going to make any progress in therapy or get help at school? I'm

wondering if my presence makes it worse? He has no trouble talking at

hohome or with neighbors. I think it is the sense of being evaluated

and " treated " that is making him feel scrutinized, and maybe blocked.