Elective mutism and mental retardation.

Full Abstract

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.

Author information

Author/s: Klin, A (A); Volkmar, F R (FR);

Affiliation: Yale Child Study Center, New Haven, CT 06510.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article

Journal: Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry), published in UNITED STATES. (Language: eng)

Reference: 1993-Jul; vol 32 (issue 4) : pp 860-4

Dates: Created 1993/08/27; Completed 1993/08/27; Revised 2004/11/17;

PMID: 8340310, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

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