Final answer:
Selective mutism can frequently co-occur with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with estimates suggesting that between 16% and 60% of individuals with selective mutism also meet the criteria for ASD.
Step-by-step explanation:
Selective mutism and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can co-occur, making option b) Yes, frequently co-occurring the correct answer. Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder characterized by difficulty speaking in certain social situations, whereas ASD is a developmental disorder that affects social interaction, communication, and behavior. While not all individuals with ASD have selective mutism, research has shown that the conditions can often overlap, with estimates suggesting that between 16% and 60% of individuals with selective mutism also meet the criteria for ASD.