Children with autism spectrum disorders and selective mutism

• Background: It has been suggested that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be a "comorbid" condition in selective mutism (SM). Methods: In this retrospective study, we examined medical records of children with SM diagnosis (n=97) at a medical center specializing in assessment of ASD. Results: Mean age for onset of SM symptoms was 4.5 years and mean age at SM diagnosis was 8.8 years. SM was more common among girls (boy:girl ratio=2.7:1). We found that 63% of the study group had an ASD (no gender difference). The SM group with combined ASD had later onset of symptoms, higher age at diagnosis, more often a history of speech delay, and a higher proportion of borderline IQ or intellectual disability. Conclusion: The results highlight the risk of overlap between ASD and SM.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Medicinska och farmaceutiska grundvetenskaper -- Neurovetenskaper (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Basic Medicine -- Neurosciences (hsv//eng)

Keyword

selective mutism

autism spectrum disorders

Asperger syndrome

autistic disorder

mild mental-retardation

asperger-syndrome

anxiety disorder

elective

mutism

prevalence

silence

schoolchildren

questionnaire

language

adhd

Neurosciences & Neurology

Psychiatry

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)