Is selective mutism associated with deficits in memory span and visual memory?: an exploratory case–control study

Abstract

Our main aim in this study was to explore the association between selective mutism (SM) and aspects of nonverbal cognition such as visual memory span and visual memory. Auditory-verbal memory span was also examined. The etiology of SM is unclear, and it probably represents a heterogeneous condition. SM is associated with language impairment, but nonspecific neurodevelopmental factors, including motor problems, are also reported in SM without language impairment. Furthermore, SM is described in Asperger's syndrome. Studies on nonverbal cognition in SM thus merit further investigation. Neuropsychological tests were administered to a clinical sample of 32 children and adolescents with SM (ages 6-17 years, 14 boys and 18 girls) and 62 nonreferred controls matched for age, gender, and socioeconomic status. We used independent t-tests to compare groups with regard to auditory-verbal memory span, visual memory span, and visual memory (Benton Visual Retention Test), and employed linear regression analysis to study the impact of SM on visual memory, controlling for IQ and measures of language and motor function. The SM group differed from controls on auditory-verbal memory span but not on visual memory span. Controlled for IQ, language, and motor function, the SM group did not differ from controls on visual memory. Motor function was the strongest predictor of visual memory performance. SM does not appear to be associated with deficits in visual memory span or visual memory. The reduced auditory-verbal memory span supports the association between SM and language impairment. More comprehensive neuropsychological studies are needed.

Language and academic abilities in children with selective mutism

“…Notwithstanding the group by sex interaction, there was a significant main effect for group on receptive vocabulary ability with children with SM scoring significantly lower (but within the age-appropriate range) than community controls. This is consistent with previous studies that have found lower scores on the PPVT-III in children with SM (Kristensen & Oerbeck, 2006;Manassis et al, 2007;McInnes et al, 2004). Unlike these previous studies, however, we did not find any significant differences between the SM and the mixed anxiety groups in receptive vocabulary scores.…”

“…For example, some researchers have reported that children with SM perform significantly lower than community controls on academic measures (Bergman et al, 2002;Kristensen & Oerbeck, 2006;Schwartz, Freedy, & Sheridan, 2006), especially language abilities (Manassis et al, 2007;McInnes et al, 2004). In comparison, other studies have found no differences between children with SM and community controls (Cunningham et al, 2004).…”

Joint Attention in Parent–Child Dyads Involving Children with Selective Mutism: A Comparison Between Anxious and Typically Developing Children

“…Given that SM most often presents itself in the school setting and with unfamiliar individuals, such as teachers, many studies have focused on the functioning of children with SM in tasks associated with the school setting, such as language and academic development [2,4,[15][16][17][18][19]. However, almost no research has investigated the quality of interactions between children with SM and their parents.…”

Test de rétention visuelle de Benton : étalonnage français auprès d'enfants âgés de 8 à 11 ans

“…Par ailleurs, aucune différence n'est retrouvée entre enfants présentant une dyslexie et enfants contrôles (Symmes & Rapoport, 1972 ;Vellutino, Smith, Steger & Kaman, 1975). Dans une étude comparant des enfants présentant un mutisme sélectif à un groupe contrôle, Kristensen et Oerbeck (2006) trouvent que la note concernant les fonctions motrices est la plus prédictive des résultats au BVRT (administration A et formes C), devant celles des fonctions langagières et des fonctions intellectuelles.…”