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Sex Differences in Internalizing Problems During Adolescence in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Tasha M Oswald1,2, Mary Ann Winter-Messiers3,4, Brandon Gibson5,6
1Department of Psychology, 1227 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, 97403, USA. tmoswald@ucdavis.edu.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|October 7, 2015
Summary
Adolescent females with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show higher depression risk, especially in early adolescence. This highlights unique vulnerabilities in females with ASD, alongside increased anxiety in later adolescence.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Psychiatry
- Developmental psychology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects social and communication skills.
- Internalizing disorders like depression and anxiety are common in adolescents.
- Sex differences in ASD and internalizing disorders are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined impact of sex and ASD diagnosis on internalizing disorders.
- To examine depression and anxiety symptoms across different developmental stages in adolescents with and without ASD.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 32 adolescents with ASD and 32 controls.
- Analysis of sex, diagnostic status, and developmental stage effects on depression and anxiety.
- Statistical examination for interaction effects.
Main Results:
- A significant 3-way interaction indicated higher depressive symptoms in females with ASD compared to males with ASD and female controls, particularly in early adolescence.
- Adolescents with ASD reported elevated separation anxiety and panic symptoms in late adolescence.
Conclusions:
- Females with ASD may possess unique genetic, hormonal, and psychosocial factors increasing depression risk during early adolescence.
- Atypical development of independence may contribute to heightened separation anxiety and panic in adolescents with ASD during late adolescence.
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