Which condition frequently coexists with selective mutism?

Selective mutism is primarily characterized by a child's inability to speak in certain social situations despite being able to speak comfortably in others, typically at home or in familiar environments. The condition often emerges in early childhood, usually between the ages of 2 and 5.

Social anxiety disorder frequently coexists with selective mutism due to the underlying fear of social situations and being judged or evaluated by others. Children with selective mutism may feel extreme anxiety about speaking in social situations, leading to their silence. This overlap is significant because both conditions involve heightened anxiety levels and a discomfort in social interactions, making social situations particularly challenging for these children.

While other conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or autism spectrum disorder can be associated with social difficulties or communication challenges, they do not have the same direct relationship to the specific anxiety-driven nature of selective mutism as social anxiety disorder does. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder may contribute to social challenges, but it does not typically present with the same kind of selective speech patterns observed in selective mutism. Thus, the connection between selective mutism and social anxiety disorder is more pronounced and establishes a clearer framework for understanding the behavior of affected children.