Date of Award

2026

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Psychology (Ph.D.)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Lauren Moskowitz

Second Advisor

Mark Terjesen

Third Advisor

Imad Zaheer

Abstract

Research indicates that selective mutism (SM) and autism frequently co-occur, yet there remains limited empirical research examining treatment practices for youth presenting with both conditions. The presence of co-occurring SM and autism has important implications for intervention planning and implementation, particularly in light of differences in communication, rigidity, and social engagement commonly observed in autistic youth. Accordingly, the present study examined how frequently SM providers treat youth with co-occurring SM and autism, the treatment strategies they endorse using, and whether providers modify or adapt interventions to better meet the needs of this population. SM providers reported on their clinical exposure to youth with co-occurring SM and autism and endorsed the use of 49 treatment strategies derived from the SM literature, anxiety treatment literature for autistic youth, and expert clinician input. Results indicated that, although youth with co-occurring SM and autism represented a relatively small proportion of providers’ caseloads at any given time, most providers reported treating this population with meaningful frequency across their careers. Strategies derived from the SM literature were endorsed significantly more frequently than strategies derived from the autism and anxiety literature or those added by expert clinicians. Qualitative analyses of open-ended responses identified additional strategies and adaptations providers found helpful when treating this population.

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