t t l e d n I n this issue, Stein et al. (1) present evidence for an association of a common genetic polymorphism at the neuronal adhesion molecule Contactin-Associated Protein-like 2 (CNTNAP2) with elective mutism (SM) and social anxiety traits. This is a methodlogically rigorous, two-stage candidate gene association study, he first genomic analysis of SM, and one that focuses on a gene of onsiderable interest. As a class, cell adhesion molecules have beome an important area of investigation for neurobiologists intersted in synaptic specification and function and Contactin and ontactin-Associated proteins have figured prominently in recent ndings in the psychiatric genetics literature. Moreover, the results resented in Stein et al., as well as the study design, point to some of he most interesting developments and areas of controversy in ontemporary psychiatric genetics.