go to a Neurologist for behavior?

My son is turning 3 in January. At home he is talkative and normal - bit too stubborn and a cry baby but normal (I think). But outside of home he ignores others and doesn't speak or freezes up when other people are around.

I mean literally freezes - last week we were in the elevator and a woman got on and she said "Hello there" and he didn't move it was like he was a statue, he was staring into nothingness was frozen with his arms in the air (where they were when she started talking to him) then as soon as she got off the elevator he said "where are the flowers?" (there are usually flowers on every floor next to the elevator door, but her floor did not have it)

When I took him for a pysch eval before EI, the psychologist noticed after about 30 minutes he stopped hiding behind me and started playing a bit, but once he notices her watching him, he stopped playing and hid next to me again.

He is currently getting EI and went to his CPSE psych eval the other day. During the meeting he didn't speak at all to the psychologist (I was not there, my wife was) and ignored her questions and commands. At the end of the eval she gave him a lollipop then as soon as they walked out of the office he says to my wife "This is watermelon I give it to DD" - wtf.

Anyway I spoke to the psychologist and she believes he has social anxiety and selective muteism.

She recommended I see a neurologist to make sure theres no physical issue.

But would a physical issue cause this? If he was mute all the time then perhaps, but this is obviously a behavior thing....would a neurologist be of any use?

Thanks

Message edited 11/5/2018 9:57:52 AM.

Re: go to a Neurologist for behavior?

It’s not a neurologist issue.
That type of freezing is mid activity and not person selective!

You can ask your ped to confirm... but this is selective and just 3 year old behavior. I have one too. They can be really annoying!

go to a Neurologist for behavior?

I agree. My first was the same way. He was outgoing at home and with close friends and family. If we went to a bbq or something like that he got quiet and did not talk to anyone. He outgrew it on his own. Now i ask him to zip it!!!!

go to a Neurologist for behavior?

My daughter was like this, and the behavior stopped around 4, although a lot of times she’s still shy around people she doesn’t know, and she won’t really talk to them.

At home and around people she knows she doesn’t stop talking.

Re: go to a Neurologist for behavior?

I would listen to the professionals and take him to a neurologist. From my understanding selective mutism is anxiety disorder. Look into behavioral therapy as a choice of treatment and SSP (safe and sound protocol).
It sounds like (from reading previous post) there is more here then just a shy 3rd year old. A neurologist will be able to identify and put together some missing pieces. You're better of doing as much testing now instead of waiting. The earlier kids get intervention and the right therapies the better they are long term. Plus, it can take some time to even get an appt with pediatric neurologist. You might not even be able to get an apt right way, so I wouldn't wait and make an appt.

go to a Neurologist for behavior?

My son does this, but he's 19 and has Autism with anxiety around strangers.

It can't hurt to take him to the neuro, but I'm not sure what they will find if he only has this issue and nothing else. The neuro did send my son for an EEG and it did show slowing in his brain, but she said that is common in those with Autism.

go to a Neurologist for behavior?

Have you been to a developmental pediatrician?

Re: go to a Neurologist for behavior?

This does sound like selective mutism. A neurologist isn't going to help. You need him evaluated by a psychologist (they are the ones who can make this diagnosis) who specializes in selective mutism in order to make sure you receive the correct diagnosis. If it's SM, he needs treatment in the form of behavioral therapy asap to help him. The younger you start the better. I say this as a psychologist AND the mom of a little boy who had SM and lost his diagnosis of SM after almost a year of intense therapy. It is heart breaking. My son is the bravest person I know bc he overcame his biggest fear, letting others hear him talk.

I took my son to the NYU Child Study Center in Lake Success bc I knew as a professional that it was the best place to take him. I fought my insurance to get some of it covered bc they didn't accept my insurance. Best $ I ever spent. No regrets. In 8 months my son was talking to everyone and anyone. We did individual sessions, I had the psychologist come into his school and we did group sessions 1 x month in the city at Camp Courage.

Start doing some research on selective mutism on ChildMind.org and the NYU Child Study Center page. If you ever want to PM me, feel free. If it's SM, it can be a long road sometimes.

Have him evaluated to get some answers, whether it be SM or not.