Joseph, Froggy, and Mrs. Slattery

This book is a republication. The story is true. Only names of those involved have been changed. Selective mutism is a difficult problem to overcome. But, with the student described in this book, we were successful-no easy task with this condition. After the interventions which included the student, the teacher, the parents, and myself as counselor, I told all involved that I would eventually write a book about this experience. This is it.

Selective mutism is defined as a failure to speak in specific situations despite being able to speak in other circumstances. Typically it is a symptom of underlying anxiety. Frequently it is found during the primary school years where it is of great concern since children are starting to read. During this time, teachers are also doing important assessments. Teachers find it very difficult to do accurate evaluations with children who are experiencing selective mutism.

School counselors, parents, and teachers who have worked with this condition, know how difficult it can be for a student having trouble talking with both adults and peers at school. In this real life story, the counselor describes how "Joseph", in cooperation with his team, learned to communicate by the end of first grade.

Additional information, not provided in the prior book, is included at the back of this book for parents and educators.