JOURNAL ARTICLE

New Findings on Anxiety Disorders from Maastricht University Summarized (Three 'driving Forces' Behind the Silence: Social Anxiety, Autism Spectrum Symptoms, and Language Difficulties As Correlates of Selective Mutism In Young Children).

Published In: Mental Health Weekly Digest, 2026. P. 3394 1 of 2
Database: Psychology Source 2 of 2

Abstract

This article focuses on research from Maastricht University in the Netherlands examining the relationships between social anxiety, autistic traits, language difficulties, and selective mutism (SM) in preschool children. The study found that social anxiety and autistic traits were both significantly and independently associated with SM symptoms, while language difficulties showed no significant correlation, though language delay had a modest positive association. These findings suggest that psychological assessment and treatment for children with suspected SM should prioritize addressing social anxiety and autism spectrum symptoms. The research involved parents of 81 children aged 3 to 6 years from both general and clinical populations. [Extracted from the article]

Additional Information

Source:Mental Health Weekly Digest. 2026/03, p3394
Document Type:Abstract
Subject Area:Social Sciences and Humanities
Publication Date:2026
ISSN:1543-6616
Accession Number:192412637
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