selective what?

Well, it is unofficially official: Sam's pediatrician thinks we should consult with a specialist about his "shyness." That's the term we have given it thus far, anyway. He talks his head off at home with immediate family but cannot muster a 'hello' to anyone else. The term our pediatrician used was "selective (or situational) mutism," the inability to talk in normal social situations. We do not know much about it but a cursory investigation says that it falls into the category of anxiety disorders. Hmm. And we always thought he was just stubborn, or perhaps simply exerting control. (No parent can rule those out entirely, right?)

We did immerse both boys into Swedish schooling when we went there. Jakob wrestled with it at first but then flourished. Sam took a lot longer to grasp the language. He would not use Swedish around us for over a year. Our primary language in the home was English, but even then I do not remember Sam speaking in the home out loud around non-immediate family. Now, we cannot blame this on our Swedish trip or our experiences there but we cannot help but wonder if something may have triggered his current situation. Did being dropped into Swedish daycare traumatize him somehow? We have gone back and looked at pre-Sweden videos and Sam is clearly talking to others.

He is a very intelligent and adventurous little boy. Comes up with stuff on his own to do or to make, and sets out to do it. He's initiated reading Jakob's library books on his own, as well as the back of cereal boxes or road signs, anything he can understand. He has basically taught himself to read. He knows Swedish and English and plays well with other kids. He just cannot speak at all when he really ought to by now.

The next open appointment with the specialist is 8 weeks out. We'll keep you posted.