Is mutism a symptom of Aspergers?

[dblandford388]

I don't talk much, make that not at all. I still live at home and blame much of my situation in my parents. I don't leave the house and I can't hold a job. Does me not talking have anything to do with Aspergers or am I just really anxious? Some history about me. I've lived in the same spot for 20 years with occasional attempts to get a job and they always seem to fold. The longest job I've had was a year and a half. I considered that a miracle. I've also attempted to live on my own and that worked out for a year or so. But every time I come back home I start feeling depressed and don't want to move. I get comfortable but then I get anxious to leave. My parents spoiled me and made it too easy to be a hikikomori-what I consider myself; someone who doesn't leave the house. Most days I got without saying a single word. When speaking to my parents I just get angry. I have a world of words in my head but they just don't seem to make it out. Part of it is not feeling comfortable with sharing my thoughts and opinions. Sometimes I think if I just had the right people or friends the words would come out.

I'm too dang old to be blaming this on them still. Am I delayed in maturing to adulthood?

 

[Tom]

I'm too dang old to be blaming this on them still. Am I delayed in maturing to adulthood?

I think that is involved, but not in a blatant way, like a refusal. Aspies can and often do have a longer maturing process - which is not abnormal when you have the condition. But take it from one who had the same delays, once you get going you can go as far as you can imagine.

 

[Datura]

I know that selective mutism can be a symptom of Asperger'. There are certainly many references to this correlation online. That said, the condition can also exist on its own, independent of any autism, but it is generally considered a childhood disorder.

I can somewhat relate to you in your situation with your parents. They have made life too easy for me. I love them, and am grateful for their support, but I do sometimes wonder if they are enabling me. I am not a hikikomori though. I do try to get out, and until recently, was working.

 

[Judge]

Would reticence in using a telephone constitute an overt form of selective mutism?

I had a period of time in my late teens and early twenties when I had this. Took a lot of flak from my mother over it. Got over it taking a job where I had to talk daily with internal and external customers.

 

[Datura]

Interestingly, my brother used to have the exact same issue, at about the same age.

 

[Lealea]

I have done quite a bit of reserch on selective mutism as I thought for a while that this was what was wrong with me before being diagnosed with aspergers and there is a link.

 

[Harrison]

Would reticence in using a telephone constitute an overt form of selective mutism?

I had a period of time in my late teens and early twenties when I had this. Took a lot of flak from my mother over it. Got over it taking a job where I had to talk daily with internal and external customers.

Once again Judge and I trod a similar path.

Once I started lecturing I had to get used to talking, yet at home I still prefer the quiet and still choose not to answer the phone.

 

[Epicurean Pariah]

This was quite interesting. The question, and the responses as well as all involved.
My two cents, and a little context.
At 67 now the horror show of my youth is muted but not forgotten. I wrote a list of rules and tried to adhere to them. I come across them in a file or book and do not remember all. I remember:
Don't use precise words because many don't know the meaning and are resentful. Don't use adjectives because inferences can be made by the use of some adjectives. I ruled myself out of communication with others to the point that my vocabulary was in totality, yes- no- maybe- I don't know. Is that mutism?