Based on the information provided, the children in the family seem to all function at the same level of communication. Several options seem feasible. After speaking with the counselor to no avail, a parent conference should be conducted. If the parents communicate in the same manner then the child is most likely mimicking their home environment and mixing it with any disability that may be present. If parents refuse to show for a conference, a social worker referral could also be made. This could rule out the child(ren) being mute due to emotional or physical abuse. If those solutions are exhausted, the teachers should figure out another method of determining comprehension. Possibly having the student demonstrate understanding on a white board, or writing on a note pad could allow the student an alternative method of communication.

I would have a parent conference to see if they can give insight on the behavior. Also, the parent's behavior would give you an idea as to if there is any abuse that is causing the student to not speak.

I don't know the age of the child but there is a great primary program called TEACHTOWN that my system just purchased for our primary sped students. Students who are Non-verbal have excelled with this program as they are SHOWING what they know since they cannot speak it.

While there are certainly more ways to handle this situation than just one. Here is a possible solution. I had an issue similar to this recently with another student. I found that every time I approached this student she would completely shut down. I a created an incentive type program where I would give her a stick of gum if she would communicate information with me. Through a painfully slow process I also infused some conversation about what she enjoyed doing for fun. This helped to establish communication with her and helped her to be more comfortable with me speaking to her. I will not say that it worked quickly but it did work and now the student will speak with me almost every time I ask her a question.

One solution to help this child is one that is normally used for ESOL students. Give the student picture cards to select her responses to the question. It can also benefit the child to have questions presented to her and then give her time to think about and respond to a familiar student rather than to the teacher. Sometimes students are nonverbal for many reasons, including being shy.

I dealt with a situation similar to this with a PreK student. I would meet with the parents and determine if she is communicating at home. Watch the student on the playground - does she communicate with her peers? If so, there may be some basis behind her not speaking with adults. Has the child been in your school long or are they new? Get in touch with previous teachers if possible and determine what went on in their classroom. If they are a new student, it could be a situation where she is unhappy with her parents for moving. Dig deeper!