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Eye Tracking Young Children with Autism
Published on: March 27, 2012
Gender Differences and Similarities: Autism Symptomatology and Developmental Functioning in Young Children
Maya Matheis1, Johnny L Matson2, Esther Hong2
1Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA. maya.matheis@gmail.com.
Abstract:
A growing body of research suggests that symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may present differently in males and females. This study examined gender differences in ASD symptoms and developmental functioning, using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtism Traits, Part 1 (BISCUIT-Part 1) and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition (BDI-2), amongst children aged 17-37 months meeting ASD diagnostic criteria (n = 1317). No gender differences were found in regards to overall symptom severity or symptom domains on the BISCUIT-Part 1 when gender groups were matched by cognitive ability. Females with ASD had greater motor deficits and less communication impairment compared to their male counterparts as measured by the BDI-2. Secondary analyses examining item endorsement patterns were also conducted. Implications of the findings are discussed.
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