Gavin started 1st Grade today! My boy is growing up so fast! I was so nervous for him, we moved recently so he was starting a new school. He had been at the old school all through pre-K and Kindergarten and knew his way around, and everyone there knew Gavin and knew his story. Now he'd be going into an unfamiliar place, where no one knew or understood his needs. But we made it through day 1!
I had a meeting with his teacher yesterday to really go into detail about what Selective Mutism was and tips on how to go about interacting with Gavin. I was happy to hear the teacher say she started researching the condition herself after I first told her about it a few days earlier at orientation. She had some great ideas on ways to try to help him and also brought the school counselor in on the discussion. I was So worried they weren't going to understand and would try to force him to talk, which would only make matters worse. I was very relieved to see they care :)
Gavin has had an IEP for 2 years for speech, but it touches very little on the Selective Mutism since he wasn't officially diagnosed until late into his Kindergarten school year. I feel a 504 plan will be a greater benefit to him and am currently working with the school to get that in place.
Gavin did have a good first day today. It was only a 3 hour day, tomorrow will be his first full day so we'll see how it goes. This is the first year there's not a restroom in the classroom and Gavin won't speak or gesture to ask to use the restroom which has caused some accidents in the past. The teacher and I's first goal is to find a way Gavin is comfortable with to let her know when he needs to go.
Wish us luck!
No comments:
Post a Comment