Selective Mutism Through My Eyes: Special Education and Beyond

Book:_Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking_ Hi Group: I am excited to give you a book recommendation, --I stumbled upon this book titled, _Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking_   by Susan Cain I am loving it.   It studies quiet people in our society and makes a case for quiet.  

By Leah Zanzucchi-Marroquin This is reflective.   And to answer the question that irritated me throughout my childhood, “Why don’t you talk?” I am not looking for pity.   Why didn’t I talk? I started Kindergarten at the age of 4.   The school year started a few weeks before my birthday.   I was never in pre-school.   My parents didn’t believe it was necessary because they never were in pre-school themselves.   My dad was geared toward free things and anything to save money.   Though they started me in Catholic School (tuition based.) I recall my dad asking me, “Are you prepared for Kindergarten?” I wasn’t prepared, I said “No.” His response was “Oh, why!” or “Oh come on!”   “I bought you a new backpack?!” The tone was incredulous and made me feel ashamed for not feeling prepared for Kindergarten because I did have new backpack. His response threw me off.   And here insert the idea that you are supposed to feel things you...

At the same time I was attending Franklin Elementary, I also attended a Catholic Sunday School Class at Blessed Sacrament Church in Syracuse, New York.  The teachers varied.  But I got actual lessons—not knowing it at the time but I think I felt like a scholar.  Real teachers make people feel awesome.  My moral development, philosophical reasoning, and my ability to make personal judgments in relation to my world were growing.  The reason as to why I was treated with dignity in Sunday School and not in public school I believe is because Catholic/Christian Schools embrace the whole person while public school wants a bottom-line.                                                      

Special Education and its Failings By Leah Zanzucchi-Marroquin When someone talks about their area of job interest is working with special needs kids, the thing I think about is how is the classroom conducted? Are the teachers actually teaching the kids or only sitting at their desks watching them?  Are they shaming them? I was placed in Special Education when I was five years old.  I was mainstreamed in middle-school.  I know Special Education’s failings from the inside.  I am trying to liberate myself here, of this label Selective Mutism… Having been gone through the failings of the Special Education System I am strongly opposed to the shaming of a child into talking.  I guess the premise is the child is being bad for not talking; talking is the word that was used.  The School I am writing about is Franklin Elementary of Syracuse New York.  I am in the fourth grade.  My desk is placed against a wall in the corner to socially isola...

Post will be coming shortly, hang in there!