Elective mutism and mental retardation.
The association of elective mutism and mental retardation is noted. Two cases of elective mutism associated with mental retardation are presented. Both individuals had long-standing patterns of inhibition, shyness, and anxiety manifested by general refusal to talk outside the home, particularly at school. The importance of assessment of intellectual functioning and linguistic skills for the establishment of intervention priorities and clinical management is discussed. The possibility of the presence of mental retardation in individuals with elective mutism should be considered.
Klin
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A
Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT 06510.
Volkmar
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FR
D000293:Adolescent; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004495:Education of Persons with Intellectual Disabilities; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D007360:Intelligence; D007805:Language Development Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D009155:Mutism / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D012931:Social Environment