We have a 6 year old child that we have adopted. He contracted encepahlitis as a baby. As a result, he is delayed, and is unable to speak. He is very active and is on target for large motor skills. As for the delays... they seem a lot less significant since we have had him in our home these last several months. He understands all of what is said to him. His weakest area is fine motor skills. We do not have an "official" IQ test, as he had not cooperated on the last, and he is clearly much more advanced than we originally thought. He is able to recognize his written name, identify colors and basic numbers.

We are going to be homeschooling our son. We have another child who is mildly mentally retarded. We have homeschooled her since Kindergarten, and at 11 she is now reading on a first grade level. I feel confident about teaching her because I have seen her progress just much more slowly. I am not sure how to go about teaching our son to read "phonics". etc since he will be unable to speak. Does anyone have experience teaching a child that is unable to speak? If so, could you offer some suggestions.

Blessings,
Tracy

Hi,
I'm a special needs homeschool consultant. I would love to assit you. Please take a quick look at my website, and let me know if you think I could be of assistance.
Cheryl
http://wwww.homepage.mac.com/gabbert/

Can you post it again, please?

Thank you,
Tracy

Please let me know if you find out more info for your child, as I am in a similar situation. I also tried the email address and it was working.
thanks,
dkaunley