With 7s selective mutism, there hasn't been a lot of options beyond 'leaving space' for him to answer if he can, and a couple of communication cards at school, and giving him a pen and paper to write what he can.
On the same day it occurred to me that Makaton could be a good idea, we had a knock at the front door. Answering, which I usually don't do, I was greeted by a charity rep who quickly told me he is autistic and passionate about his charity work - for a charity supporting Deaf children and campaigning for BSL/Makaton to be taught in schools. It felt like one of those weird cosmic alignment moments.
I explained that the boys are also autistic and that, strangely, I'd been thinking about Makaton as an option for 7 and his selective mutism.
Within ten minutes, I'd agreed to a monthly donation (more than happy to do this!), signed their petition for the use/teaching of BSL in schools, and had a great chat with the guy about how his autism impacts him, and how he liked that we were adapting for 7 rather than letting things just float by.
I got a letter, confirming the charity payments and it included this collection of fridge magnets, teaching the fingerspelling alphabet. I'd known this already, but 7 was immediately interested. Looking over it for around a half hour, he taught himself to spell his name, and 6s name, and to fingerspell 'hello' and 'no'. He was proud of himself, and I was proud of him!
I'm going to sink hard into Makaton, and see what I can bring for him to use when he's struggling to talk. I'm not sure he'll manage to effectively sign at school with eyes on him, but giving him the tools can't be bad.
