Name: Nathan Parningo

Chronological Age: 7
Grade: Introductory (i.e., Kindergarten)
School: Sirua Aulo Academy
Vision Screening: Appears to be WFL
Hearing Screening: Appears to be WFL
Evaluation Date: July 5, 2008
Evaluation Location: Transmara District
Examiner: Linda, M.A., CCC-SLP, through Emmanuel as our Swahili/English translator

Reason for Referral: Nathan was brought to the school at my request to meet all children in the area with disabilities.

Educational History: Nathan attended nursery school with his twin brother, but was refused entry into the next and consecutive classes. His brother is now in Class 2 (i.e., 2nd grade) in a public school, while Nathan has been forced to stay at home for the past 3 years.

Medical History: Nathan presents as a healthy boy with a normal birth and developmental history.

Interview: They say he has a "heavy tongue" and that he "doesn't talk." However, further questioning revealed that he does speak, but it is not often and inaudible. I did not hear his voice in my short period with him. Mom reported that he can follow directions and if he wants something he can do it himself. Her biggest concern is that he has not gone to school.

I was not able to do a complete oral-motor examination with him; he did not imitate or follow directions much, though Emmanuel stated that he "understands everything." My clinical judgment is that he is selectively mute, and his segregation from his brother and peers has not helped his emotional-behavioral development. The tongue thing? Habit. He was able to close his mouth sufficiently, and I see no other reasons for him to maintain that open mouth posture. (Check sinuses? Darn, I didn't think of that! But I didn't see or hear about respiratory problems to indicate it)

In any case, Nathan's situation drives me crazy! He would do perfectly fine in school alongside his brother! In fact, we incorporated Nathan into the Intro class right away, and during break time he played soccer along with the other boys his age just fine! He didn't verbalize then either, but the boys allowed him to kick the ball and participate. He could catch up to his brother in no time, at least to Class 1, with tutoring and the higher quality education Emmanuel's school is providing.

For a tax-deductible Dollar A Day, you can help Nathaen get quality education, food, clothing, and in the near future, shelter, for A YEAR. $365 is a fraction of what you spend on coffee every year. Please help to ease the burden for this one family, and let this child realize his full potential. Contact me at autosmiler at gmail dot com and/or donate through the Village Volunteers website.