Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Repetitive Behaviors and Adaptive Functioning

Area of Science:

• Neurodevelopmental Disorders
• Child Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Restricted and repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a core feature of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
• Previous research on sex differences in RRBs among individuals with ASD has yielded inconsistent findings.
• Understanding these differences is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate sex differences in RRBs using the Repetitive Behavior Scale Revised (RBS-R) in a sample of children with ASD.
• To examine the relationship between RRBs and adaptive functioning across sexes and age groups.
• To inform early intervention strategies for improving adaptive skills in ASD.

Main Methods:

• A sample of 210 children (3-18 years) diagnosed with ASD (145 males, 65 females) was assessed.
• Repetitive Behavior Scale Revised (RBS-R) was used to measure RRBs.
• Adaptive Behavior Assessment System, Second Edition (ABAS-II) evaluated adaptive functioning.

Main Results:

• No significant sex differences were found in total RBS-R scores or any subscale.
• In older participants, RRBs were negatively associated with all adaptive skill domains, irrespective of sex and age.
• These findings suggest RRBs may impede adaptive functioning in older children with ASD.

Conclusions:

• The study indicates a lack of sex differences in RRBs in the studied ASD sample.
• RRBs appear to negatively affect adaptive skills in older autistic children.
• Early interventions targeting RRBs are recommended for both male and female autistic individuals to enhance adaptive skills.