Difference Between Autism and Selective Mutism

Autism and Selective Mutism are two different conditions that can affect children; it is important to understand these differences so we can help children grow better. It can be hard to tell the difference between selective mutism and autism at first because both involve trouble with social interaction; selective Mutism means not being able to speak in certain situations because of anxiety, and autism is broader and affects many behaviors, not just talking. If you see someone having a tough time in social situations, looking at how they act overall can help figure out if it may be selective mutism or autism. This can lead to the right diagnosis and the right help for them, so in this article, we will look at what autism and selective mutism mean and how they are different from each other.

Selective Autism

Autism, also known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complicated developmental condition that usually shows up in early childhood and affects how a person communicates and interacts with other people. People with autism may find it hard to socialize and communicate and may repeat certain behaviors or have specific interests; the signs of autism can be different for each person, and they can range from low to severe conditions.

Selective Mutism

Selective mutism (SM) occurs when someone is too afraid to talk in certain places, even though they can talk just fine in other places. Kids with selective mutism may talk a lot at home or with family but stay quiet at school or in public. This is not because they cannot talk or understand but because they are really anxious or afraid in those situations.

Autism vs. Selective Mutism

We will discuss the differences and similarities between 'Autism and Selective Mutism' in three parts:

1. By Analysing the Communication skills
2. Observing the Behavior of People
3. Try to overcome or diagnoses

By Analysing the Communication Skills

Similarities

• Introversion: Both may seem shy or prefer being alone.
• Limited Speaking: Both can find it hard to speak in public, but for different reasons.
• Avoidance of Eye Contact: People with these conditions do not look directly at others when talking.
• Not Responding to Others: They may struggle to reply when they are asked questions.
• Difficulty with Nonverbal Communication: Gestures, facial expressions, and body language can be different from normal humans.
• Trouble Expressing Emotions or Thoughts: It can be tough for them to share their feelings or ideas with other people.
• Clinging or Better with Specific People: Some may stick close to certain people they feel safe with or communicate well.
• Difficulty Making Friends: Both conditions can make forming and keeping friendships hard.
• Social Anxiety: They may feel anxious in social situations, though the reasons can differ.

Look at the Conditions of the Baby

• As babies grow up, they are expected to reach certain social milestones like making eye contact, smiling, babbling, and speaking; children with selective mutism usually reach these milestones at general times, similar to that of normal children. However, for children with autism, these may happen earlier than usual, later than expected, or not at all.
• To determine whether a child may have autism or selective mutism, it is helpful to consider when the child started smiling, waving, making sounds, and responding to their name. Did they respond well when comforted? Did they seem to forget how to do things they used to do?
• It is important to know that not all children with autism have trouble speaking; some learn to talk at the right time, and some even start talking earlier than expected. Every child is different, and their development can be unique; getting help from a professional can give answers and support to children who show signs of developmental differences.

Note: While some children with selective mutism can have trouble speaking, this does not apply to all children; only around 20% of children with selective mutism also have speech delays or problems. This means that most children with selective mutism can talk like other kids their age, but they find it hard to speak in certain social situations because they feel anxious or scared; every child is different, and not all children with selective mutism have speech delays.

Analysis of the Behavior on a Daily Basis

• Someone with selective mutism can talk normally when they are with people they trust, like family or close friends, but they feel very anxious around others they do not know well, so they stay quiet in those situations.
• Autistic individuals usually speak the same way to everyone; they might not talk much or only a little.
• Sometimes, autistic individuals may lose the ability to speak temporarily when they are stressed, but they start to speak again once they feel better.
• People with selective mutism may talk a lot with those they trust and feel comfortable with, like family or close friends; however, outside of this group, they may find it hard or impossible to speak.
• Some individuals with selective mutism can talk normally with a few people outside their family, like peers at school. But in general, they struggle to speak in most social situations; each person's experience with selective mutism is different.

Listen to the Person's Voice

• An autistic person may speak in a way that sounds different from their classmates or friends; they might use a flat tone, unusual pitch, volume, or speed when talking. They could use pronouns strangely or sound like they are reading from a script or book; these speech differences are less common in someone with selective mutism.
• Some people with selective mutism can whisper or make brief noises in a voice that is not their usual voice.
• Autistic individuals may struggle to respond well in conversations and may say things that do not match the situation, like talking about a puppy when there is no dog around them.
• Someone with selective mutism may have a speech issue like stuttering, but speech problems are not the main part of selective mutism; each person's communication challenges are different, and there can be differences between autism and selective mutism.

Listen Carefully to What the Person is Trying to Say

• When thinking about how someone talks, notice the topics they discuss; people with selective mutism usually talk about different things and have interests that match their age. On the other hand, autistic individuals may focus intensely on one topic and find it hard to talk about other things.
• An autistic person may talk a lot about particular subjects, even ones that most people their age would not normally be interested in, like explaining detailed information about a complex topic. They may share lots of facts or trivia without realizing if the listener is bored or not interested.
• Even if a person with selective mutism talks more comfortably with familiar people, they usually understand that conversations involve give-and-take. However, an autistic person can unintentionally talk a lot without realizing the listener wants to join in or change the subject; each person's way of communicating can be different, and knowing these differences can help provide the right support and interaction to the patient.

Analyze How the Person Learns Social Skills

• Someone with selective mutism usually learns social skills at a similar speed to people who do not have autism; they usually understand social rules naturally, like giving personal space, without needing to be taught directly.
• On the other hand, autistic individuals often struggle more with social skills and may need special teaching to understand social rules; things like taking turns in conversation, using manners, or knowing when it is okay to tell small lies can be confusing for autistic individuals, especially if these rules seem random or change depending on the situation.
• Autistic people may benefit from clear instruction and practice to improve their social interactions; recognizing these differences can help provide the right kind of support for individuals with autism to develop their social skills effectively.

Note: Girls with autism usually try to hide their social difficulties by copying how others behave; they might imitate their friends even though social interactions are hard for them. This is called "masking," where they cover up their challenges to fit in better or to make friends.

Note if the Person is Interested in Talking to Their Colleagues and Classmates

• An autistic person may seem uninterested in their colleagues and mates, but they prefer to be around people who are older or younger than them; it can be hard for them to interact socially with kids their age.
• On the other hand, someone with selective mutism wants to talk and join in activities with others, but they feel too nervous about speaking or being part of a group.
• When playing, autistic children usually like to play alone or with others nearby without fully joining in; this is not because they do not understand other kids but because social play can be overwhelming for them. A child with selective mutism can also play alone because they struggle to talk to their peers due to anxiety.
• Autistic people usually find it easier to talk to people of different ages, like adults or younger kids, rather than their age group; it is less challenging for them than talking to peers. In contrast, someone with selective mutism will only talk to people they feel comfortable with, avoiding others due to their anxiety.
• Both autistic people and those with selective mutism want friends, but they encounter different obstacles. Autistic individuals may have trouble starting and maintaining friendships, while someone with selective mutism finds it hard to overcome their fear of socializing.

Note: Both autism and selective mutism people do have a person with whom they are comfortable and share every information.

Note if the Person Understands the Non-Verbal Language

• Someone with selective mutism is good at understanding non-verbal signs like body language, facial expressions, and tone of voice; they can tell how someone feels without words.
• In contrast, an autistic person may notice these signs but struggle to understand what they mean; they may find it hard to figure out the emotions of others or intentions and feel confused or upset if people do not agree with them.
• Autistic individuals usually have trouble with sarcasm and phrases that do not literally mean what they sound; for example, saying, "What is up?" may be confusing to them. This is not a problem for someone with selective mutism.
• Children with selective mutism usually respond when their name is called and look in the right direction if someone points at something. However, autistic children may not respond to their names or follow where someone points.

Note the Gestures of a Person with these Traits

• An autistic person may not use gestures or body language as most people do, or they can use them in a way that seems strange; for instance, they may avoid eye contact because it makes them uncomfortable, or they can appear to stare intensely at others. Sometimes, their facial expressions and tone of voice may not match how they feel inside.
• In contrast, a person with selective mutism can understand and use non-verbal signals to communicate. They may nod, point, or use body language to express themselves; however, they may seem rigid, with movements and tense facial expressions that show their anxiety.
• Selective mutism can sometimes make a person freeze up, making it hard for them to use body language or make eye contact, even though they know what these cues mean.
• Both autistic individuals and those with selective mutism may use nonverbal signals, such as pointing to things, to show what they want or need. However, their use and understanding of these signals can be different because of their condition.

Look for a Person's Speech Processing Skills

• Someone with selective mutism can understand and process speech just like other kids their age, but they can comprehend what people say to them.
• On the other hand, an autistic person may find it hard to understand speech quickly; they might not respond right away when spoken to, or they may need more time to answer.
• Autistic individuals may also have trouble with auditory processing, meaning it is challenging or hard for them to make sense of what they hear. They might need a calm environment, like turning off background noise, to focus better on understanding speech. This helps them concentrate and respond more effectively to what others are saying.

Consider if the Person Repeats Phrases and Words

• An autistic person may repeat words or phrases, which usually they hear, which is called echolalia; they use echolalia (repetitions of words) to communicate, calm themselves, or engage in self-stimulating behavior. For example, they might repeat what someone just said to them, say a phrase that matches their feelings (like "happy birthday" when excited), repeat instructions while doing something, or quote lines from books or movies randomly.
• However, someone with selective mutism is unlikely to use echolalia; it is more common in autism and is used to process or express language. People with selective mutism usually do not show this repeating behavior.

By Analysing Behaviour

Note for an Unusual Developmental Timeline

• Autistic individuals may reach developmental milestones and learn skills differently or unevenly. Some achieve milestones earlier or later than expected, and their development can be irregular compared to that of a normal person. This variability can lead to some autistic people being diagnosed later in life when their differences become more frequent over time.
• On the other hand, someone with selective mutism typically reaches milestones like talking, walking, and potty-training at the usual pace, following a more standard progression.
• Selective mutism can make it hard to get later-in-life milestones such as going to college, finding a job, or getting a driver's license. These goals usually involve a lot of social interaction, which can be challenging for someone with selective mutism.
• Autistic person may feel anxious about reaching these later milestones because they require independence and social skills; they can try hard to excel in their strengths or work extra on things they find difficult to compensate for.

Check if the Person or Child Uses Imaginative Thoughts

• Autistic children may not play imaginatively in the usual way; instead of making dolls interact or playing out stories, they may line up toys or repeat the same actions with toys, like spinning wheels.
• But this does not mean they do not use imagination. Autistic children usually have strong imaginations, but they may not show it in play like other kids.
• Some autistic children enjoy acting out scenes from books, movies, or plays they know well; they may stick closely to the original story instead of making up new ones.
• Sometimes, autistic children can join in imaginative play, like pretending to be characters, especially if another child starts the game and shows them how to play along.

Analyse Difference in Sensory Processing

• Both autistic and people with selective mutism can react uniquely to sensory experiences, but sensory processing issues are more seen in autism. Autistic individuals may have sensitivity (being too sensitive) or reduced sensitivity (not sensitive enough) to sights, sounds, touch, taste, and smell; these sensory challenges can also affect their awareness of bodily sensations like hunger, pain, or needing to use the bathroom.
• Autistic people can struggle with different sensory inputs; some may feel overwhelmed by everyday sounds, textures, or lights, while others may seek out strong sensory experiences. This variety in how they respond to sensory things is a common aspect of autism.
• In contrast, sensory issues are less common in selective mutism. While those with selective mutism may feel anxious in social situations, their main difficulties are related to communicating and interacting socially, not sensory processing.

Look for the Preference of Sameness

• Autistic individuals usually like to follow routines and do things the same way over and over; they feel safe and comfortable with predictable patterns. Even small changes to their routine can upset them a lot; this strong reaction to changes is common in autism and can cause a lot of stress to those people.
• This need for consistency can also apply to their personal space and belongings; for example, an autistic person can get upset if someone moves things around in their room without asking.
• Autistic individuals may also struggle with changes in general, even if the change is small or temporary; for instance, they may not want to go out to eat at a favorite restaurant if it is different from their usual routine of eating at home.
• On the other hand, selective mutism does not involve a strong preference for routines or significant distress from changes in routines or personal space; this shows one of the unique traits of autism related to behavior and how they respond to changes around them.

Observe the Special Interests of these People or Children

• Many autistic people have interests that they focus on, and they also know a lot about that topic or interest; these interests can be about a wide range of topics, from animals to specific bands.
• In contrast, someone with selective mutism has hobbies or interests that are more common among people without autism; their passions are usually not as focused as those seen in autism.
• Autistic people usually have the ability and desire to share a lot of detailed information about their interests, known as "info-dumping." They can talk extensively about their interests, showing a deep level of knowledge and enthusiasm; this intense focus and sharing are common characteristics of autistic special interests.

Watch if the Person is Stimming or Not

• Stiming, defined as "self-stimulatory behavior," refers to actions that
• help autistic individuals stimulate their senses; this behavior is common and usually helps them control their emotions or stay focused.
• During this (stimming), one can do many things, which are discussed as follows:
  
  • Wave or flap their hands or arms
  • Flick their fingers
  • Rock back and forth
  • Spin in circles
  • Watch moving objects like a ceiling fan
  • Touch or feel textured items
  • Make vocal sounds like humming or repeating words
  • Smell objects
  • Play with objects like fidget toys or their hair

Observe their Executive Functioning and Skills

• Executive function is the ability to organize, plan, and finish work effectively; people with selective mutism usually have typical executive functioning skills, meaning they can manage tasks and activities reasonably well.
• However, autistic people can struggle with executive functioning; signs of executive dysfunction in autism can include:
  
  • They can get stuck on specific activities, thoughts, or ideas
  • They find it hard to change from one activity to another
  • Having trouble starting tasks or following through on them
  • They need reminders to start or complete tasks
  • They have difficulty controlling emotions or reactions
  • Being disorganized or messy, usually loses things
  • They show poor impulse control, acting without thinking

Difficulties with Motor Control Activities

• People with selective mutism usually have average motor skills, but they can seem clumsy or awkward in social settings; on the opposite side, autistic people usually struggle with motor control, which affects how they move and interact physically.
• Signs of motor control difficulties in autism can include:
  
  • Poor coordination in motor skills can lead to problems like balance issues, bumping into things, dropping items, or tripping over themselves
  • They find it hard to write or type
  • They also have trouble dressing independently, especially with tasks like using zippers, buttons, or tying shoelaces
  • They may speak unclearly, resulting in unusual voice or speech patterns
  • Difficulty controlling movements, such as pointing inaccurately or gesturing awkwardly

Look for Meltdowns or Shutdowns

• When autistic people feel overwhelmed by things like sensory input, changes in routine, or strong emotions, they may have meltdowns or shutdowns; these reactions are not seen in selective mutism.
• During a meltdown, someone may scream, cry, fall on the floor, or even hurt themselves; it can be similar to a temper tantrum, but unlike tantrums, meltdowns cannot be stopped or controlled by the person. Most autistic people are not violent, even if they show aggressive behaviors during a meltdown.
• A shutdown is like a meltdown turned inward; the person can struggle to speak, temporarily lose skills, and feel exhausted by things they usually handle well; in severe cases, they have trouble taking care of themselves during a shutdown.
• In contrast, children with selective mutism can throw tantrums to avoid social situations, but these tantrums are controlled and limited to specific situations; meltdowns and shutdowns in autism are not controllable and can happen at any age.
• The best way to help someone having a meltdown or shutdown is to provide a quiet place for them to rest until they feel better; understanding these reactions can lead to providing the right support and care for autistic people during these times.

Take Note of the Age of Onset

• Autism is a condition that lasts a lifetime and begins developing before birth; it is usually noticed and diagnosed in early childhood or later. On the other hand, selective mutism usually starts in early childhood, around ages two to four, but it may not be recognized until the child begins school.
• Selective mutism cannot be outgrown, but it can be successfully treated and overcome with interventions during childhood or adulthood; in contrast, autism is permanent and does not go away. However, in some cases of autism, people can learn different ways to communicate and manage their environment effectively.

Taking Cures and Precautions

Research all Information About Autism and Selective Mutism

• Understanding autism and selective mutism goes just looking at checklists for diagnosis; it is important to learn about these conditions by reading real-life stories and many perspectives on these conditions.
• Start by reading articles and resources about autism and selective mutism; this article on autism articles can be a good place to begin if you think someone may have autism. Also, listen to the experiences of different people with autism and those who have had selective mutism. Autism covers a wide range of experiences and can be seen in girls and people of color, so hearing different viewpoints is valuable.
• You can connect with autistic people by sharing descriptions of behaviors on platforms like #AskAnAutistic or #AskingAutistics. At the same time, they cannot diagnose; autistic individuals can give insights and perspectives based on their own lives.
• Be careful of organizations like Autism Speaks that may spread fear. Remember that autism and selective mutism do not define someone's whole life, and not speaking does not show how smart someone is or can be. So, it is important to talk about these topics with openness, respect, and a desire to learn from people's real experiences.

<Look For Similar Conditions

• If selective mutism or autism does not fully explain what is happening with you or your child, there could be another condition that fits better, so it is okay to research other conditions and seek help from professionals to understand better.
• Here are some conditions that can seem similar to selective mutism or autism:
  
  • Social Anxiety: One may feel scared or uncomfortable in social situations, which can make speaking hard.
  • Nonverbal Learning Disability: One may have trouble understanding nonverbal cues and interacting socially.
  • Reactive Attachment Disorder: One may find it tough to form relationships due to early trauma.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: One may have difficulty speaking because of past traumatic experiences.
  • Social Communication Disorder: One may struggle with both verbal and nonverbal communication.
  • Deafness or Hearing Loss: One may have problems communicating because of hearing issues.
  • Limited Language Knowledge: One may find it hard to speak if you know more than one language.
  • Shyness: Only speaking when feeling comfortable in certain situations.
• Looking into these possibilities and talking to professionals can help to find out the best way to support you or your child; each condition is different, and the right diagnosis can make a big difference in finding ways to help effectively.

Note that Both Conditions Cannot be Diagnosed Together

• The DSM-V (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition) and ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases, 10th edition) say that selective mutism and autism are not considered comorbid conditions; this means that someone cannot officially be diagnosed with both at the same time.
• However, some autistic individuals also experience selective mutism; this means they show signs of both conditions, but they cannot have official diagnoses for both together.
• In short, even if someone shows signs of both selective mutism and autism, they cannot be diagnosed with both at once according to the current diagnostic criteria; understanding this can help provide the right support and care based on the individual's specific needs.

Talk to People Who are Involved in the Child's Life

• If you think a child you know may have autism or selective mutism, talk to people who spend time with them regularly, like teachers, babysitters, or parents; ask about how the child acts in different places, like school or home. Do not be afraid to share your concerns.
• For example, ask your child's teacher questions like, "How does Diana interact with her classmates?" Listen for details about how the child socializes; if the teacher says the child is smart but does not join group discussions, ask if they talk more at home. If you hear the child does not hang out with peers, ask if they play with classmates at school.
• Getting feedback from different sources can give you important details about the child's behavior in different places; this helps them understand their social skills and communication. This information is the main information for identifying and addressing possible issues related to autism or selective mutism.

Visit a Doctor's Clinic Regularly

• Research can help you understand what is happening with you or your child, but only a professional doctor can accurately diagnose autism or selective mutism. It is important to note and write down the behaviors or experiences you have noticed and then make an appointment with your doctor. Your doctor can refer you to a specialist who knows how to diagnose these conditions.
• Here are some steps that you can follow:
  
  • Write Down Behaviors: Take notes on specific behaviors or signs you have seen, like struggles with talking, socializing, or repeating actions.
  • See Your Doctor: Talk to your doctor about what you have noticed and your problems; they can tell you what to do next and refer you to specialists like pediatricians or child psychologists.
  • Meet with Specialists: After getting a referral, meet with the recommended specialists. They will perform tests and ask questions to determine whether autism or selective mutism is present.
• Remember, getting a professional evaluation is important for getting the right help and support for you or your child; do not hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals for guidance.

Some Tips

• Some people who cannot speak, and use special communication tools called Alternative and Augmented Communication (AAC). These tools are usually made for autistic individuals who do not speak at all or only a little, but they can also help those who are facing selective mutism.
• It is important to know that someone with selective mutism is not refusing to talk on purpose or trying to be difficult; they have trouble speaking because of anxiety or other reasons, not because they do not want to.
• Selective mutism is usually noticed in classrooms, but it can happen in other places, too; for example, a person with selective mutism may talk normally at school but stay silent at the doctor's office or around family members.
• Using AAC methods and showing understanding and support can help people with selective mutism communicate in different places.

Difference Between Autism and Selective Mutism

The main difference between Autism and selective Mutism is discussed below:

Conclusion

In summary, autism and selective mutism are separate developmental disorders with different traits and causes; they both affect communication and social interactions. Autism covers a wider range of developmental challenges, while selective mutism mainly involves difficulty speaking due to anxiety in certain situations. Knowing and recognizing these distinctions is important for diagnosing accurately, providing effective treatment, and showing the right support to individuals with these conditions. Understanding and knowing these interventions can increase the outcome and quality of life for children who are dealing with autism and selective mutism.