Not speak with anyone in school

Hello, I am concerned about my son who is turning 4 the end of this mouth. He has been going to pre-school last sept 3 times a day and did not speak with his classmates and teachers. He played and danced with his classmates but would not talk to them. The teachers said he answered their questions but has never asked or talked to anyone in the class. So I assumed that he may be shy to speak English cause we speak our language with him at home. This year he started a new school in Sept, he still did not talk to anyone in the class. And he seemed to be nervous when I told him to talk with his classmates and teachers. He only talks to his close friend in English when they play together. They have been friends since he was two. He would laugh, complaint and argue with him even though he does not speak fluent English and he would try to put the sentence together. He is very talkative at home and always asks us a lot of questions. I am kind of worried. Your opinon is greatly appreciated. Thanks

[William L. Holcomb, Ph.D., BCBA-D]

Given that your English is not your son’s native language (and not the primary language spoken at home), I think it would be a little premature to assume that there is an underlying neurological or psychological problem.  If you are living the United States, since he is over three years-old you may request an initial Core Evaluation to determine if there are any indications of special needs through your local school district.  Regardless of where you live, you might also want to check with your son’s pediatrician for his or her opinion on the matter.  Your description seems to indicate that except for the lack of communication with peers, your son’s behavior is otherwise pretty typical.  I recommend you stay in contact with your son’s teachers and doctor to make sure his development continues to progress.  Perhaps they might recommend additional “non-pressure” experiences (play groups, social groups, etc.) for your son with other English speaking children to help foster his English language skills.  

[Ellenteacher]

Search on the web for "selective mutism", an anxiety disorder, to see if this might fit your child's behaviors.

[nfe]

Thanks for your info. I did search for selective mutism symptoms and some behaviors fit and some don't. I am still not sure if he is.
one of the experts said selective mutism should not be diagnosed if the individual’s failure to speak is due solely to a lack of knowledge of, or comfort with, the spoken language required. And my son does not speak fluent English. I am hoping that he will get better when he knows more English.

[nfe]

Thank you doctor. Your opinion is helpful and I appreciate your time. My son's doctor suggested that we can go to the child pyschology to have him evaluated and I surely will work with his teachers to monitor his development continues to progress. Thanks.