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A Relation Between Autism Traits and Gender Self-concept: Evidence from Explicit and Implicit Measures
Aimilia Kallitsounaki1,2, David Williams3
1School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK. ak881@kent.ac.uk.
Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
|October 26, 2019
Summary
Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) traits show weaker explicit and implicit gender self-concepts. This association was observed in adults from the general population, regardless of sex.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Gender Studies
Background:
- A potential link between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and gender identity variations has been previously suggested.
- Understanding the relationship between ASD traits and gender self-concept is crucial for clinical and research purposes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between autism spectrum disorder traits and the strength of both explicit and implicit gender self-concept in a general adult population.
- To compare gender self-concept strength between individuals with high versus low ASD traits.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Autism-spectrum Quotient (AQ) to measure ASD traits.
- Assessed explicit gender self-concept using the Personal Attributes Questionnaire (PAQ).
- Measured implicit gender self-concept via an Implicit Association Task (IAT).
Main Results:
- A significant negative correlation was found between ASD traits and both explicit and implicit gender self-concept.
- Adults with high/clinically significant ASD traits exhibited weaker explicit and implicit gender self-concepts compared to those with low ASD traits.
- These findings were consistent across males and females, with a potential sex-specific effect of ASD traits on implicit gender self-concept in females.
Conclusions:
- Autism spectrum disorder traits are associated with diminished gender self-concept strength, encompassing both conscious and unconscious aspects.
- The findings suggest that individuals with higher autistic traits may experience a less defined or less certain sense of their gender identity.
- Further research is warranted to explore the nuances of this relationship, particularly potential sex differences.
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