Maretha de Jonge

I am fascinated by two puzzling childhood onset psychiatric conditions: autism and selective mutism. In my clinical work, I try to contribute to high quality diagnostic assessments and care for individuals with autism and their relatives. My aims are to diminish anxiety, improve quality of life and help to turn challenging traits into strengths. My ambition is to develop an online intervention method for selective mutism, that will help children, parents, teachers and professionals to overcome this problem jointly.My research focuses on the behavioral features of autism and the genetic factors that underlie them (see below for my list of publications). I take part in international autism research consortia (IMGSAC, AGP). I am interested in subgroups within the autism spectrum, especially by questions such as: Which factors influence behavior and development? Why do some children with autism make better developmental progress than others? Where do stereotyped or rigid behaviors and special interests come from? How can we enhance cognitive and behavioral development?