Children with autism spectrum disorders and selective mutism.

Abstract

BackgroundIt has been suggested that autism spectrum disorder (ASD) might be a “comorbid” condition in selective mutism (SM).MethodsIn this retrospective study, we examined medical records of children with SM diagnosis (n=97) at a medical center specializing in assessment of ASD.ResultsMean 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.ConclusionThe results highlight the risk of overlap between ASD and SM.