Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 5, 2026
05:32
Comparing Eye-tracking Data of Children with High-functioning ASD, Comorbid ADHD, and of a Control Watching Social Videos
Published on: December 7, 2018
8.5K
Sex differences in social perception in children with ASD
M C Coffman1, L C Anderson, A J Naples
1Yale Child Study Center, 230 South Frontage Road, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|December 3, 2013
Summary
Females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show different brain responses to faces compared to males. These differences in face perception correlate with symptom severity in females, impacting social function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Genetics
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects males more frequently than females.
- Limited research exists on sex-based differences in social functioning within ASD.
- Face perception is crucial for social interaction and may reveal sex-based variations in ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex differences in neural responses during face perception in children with ASD.
- To explore the relationship between face perception neural correlates and social functioning in males and females with ASD.
Main Methods:
- Recorded electrophysiological brain activity (event-related potentials - ERPs) in children with ASD.
- Analyzed ERPs during the viewing of faces, inverted faces, and houses.
- Correlated neural responses, specifically the N170 component, with ASD symptom severity and social function measures.
Main Results:
- Females with ASD exhibited an attenuated N170 response compared to males.
- Atypical face processing (N170) in females, but not males, was linked to higher ASD symptom severity.
- Sex differences in neural face perception correlated with social information processing deficits.
Conclusions:
- Neural correlates of face perception differ between males and females with ASD.
- These sex-based differences in neural processing are associated with social functioning deficits, particularly in females.
- Future ASD treatments should consider these sex-specific clinical presentations and neural phenotypes.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
2.0K
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
2.0K
01:30Socioemotional Experience and Gender Development
424
Social-emotional experiences and cultural influences play significant roles in shaping gender development. During middle childhood, from ages 6 to 11, peer groups become dominant in reinforcing gender norms. Children in this age group often align with same-gender peer groups, which actively encourage behaviors that conform to traditional gender roles. For instance, boys may be discouraged from engaging in activities perceived as feminine, reinforcing culturally dictated norms about masculinity...
424
01:20Social Foundations of Self II: The Generalized Other
470
According to George Herbert Mead, as children progress beyond the game stage, they develop a more comprehensive understanding of societal rules and norms. This cognitive and social development enables them to internalize the expectations of the broader community, refining their ability to regulate behavior.Consistent participation in organized activities is crucial in helping children recognize that their actions are not isolated but contribute to a more significant, interconnected group...
470
01:28Conduct Disorder
1.0K
Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
1.0K
01:29Introducing Social Perception
717
Perceiving others accurately is fundamental to effective communication and relationship-building. Social perception, a key concept in social psychology, refers to the cognitive processes through which individuals gather and interpret information about others to understand their actions, intentions, and motivations. This process extends beyond spoken words and overt behaviors, incorporating subtle nonverbal cues and contextual factors.Nonverbal Cues and Their SignificanceNonverbal cues play a...
717
01:18Cognitive Development During Adolescence
1.0K
During adolescence, individuals experience significant cognitive development that enhances their understanding of others' emotions and thoughts, known as cognitive empathy. This period is marked by an increased ability to adapt to others' perspectives and a more nuanced understanding of others' mental states, a skill that is foundational for social problem-solving and conflict avoidance. The development of cognitive empathy relies heavily on the theory of mind — the...
1.0K