Moebius sequence is a rare congenital disorder usually defined as a combination 
of facial weakness with impairment of ocular abduction. It is questionable, 
whether there is a strong association of the sequence with autism spectrum 
disorders (ASDs) as suggested in some earlier case reports and studies. 
Twenty-two participants with Möbius sequence aged 6-16 years followed a request 
of the German Moebius foundation to participate in a nationwide study. All 
patients had a physical examination and intelligence testing. Primary caregivers 
were asked to complete two screening measures of ASD (Behaviour and 
Communication Questionnaire, VSK; Marburger Asperger's Syndrome Rating Scale, 
MBAS). For those who reached the cut-off for ASD and/or showed behavioural 
aspects indicative of ASDs during IQ testing and/or physical examination, well 
standardized diagnostic instruments (Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised, Autism 
Diagnostic Observation Schedule, and Kinder-DIPS) were administered. Minimal 
diagnostic criteria for Möbius sequence were congenital facial weakness (uni- or 
bilateral) and impairment of ocular abduction (uni- or bilateral). Three boys 
(one of them mentally retarded) out of 22 participants (12 males and 10 females) 
were found suspicious of ASD by screening, but none of them fulfilled diagnostic 
criteria of ASD on a clinical consensus conference. Therefore, ASDs seem to be 
not as frequent as reported in previous studies on patients with Möbius 
sequence.