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Sex Differences in the Developmental Trajectories of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Tyler C McFayden1, Orla Putnam2, Rebecca Grzadzinski1
1Carolina Institute for Developmental Disabilities, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, USA.
Current Developmental Disorders Reports
|August 28, 2023
Summary
Autism diagnosis differs by sex, with restricted interests/repetitive behaviors (RRBs) more common in males and social differences in females. Camouflaging and diagnostic overshadowing contribute to later autism identification in females.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental conditions
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Sex differences in neurodevelopment
Background:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis has historically shown sex disparities.
- Understanding these differences is crucial for accurate identification across the lifespan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine lifespan developmental trajectories of autism based on sex.
- To elucidate behavioral phenotypic differences contributing to differential diagnosis rates.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on sex differences in autism diagnosis.
- Analysis of diagnostic criteria, focusing on social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors (RRBs).
Main Results:
- Restricted interests/repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are more indicative of autism diagnosis in males.
- Social communication differences are more indicative of autism diagnosis in females.
- Camouflaging and diagnostic overshadowing contribute to later diagnosis in females.
Conclusions:
- Sex differences in diagnostic criteria impact autism identification rates.
- Naturalistic social communication assessments reveal more pronounced sex differences than standardized measures.
- Future research should include sub-threshold autistic females and longitudinal sex difference evaluations.
Keywords:
AutismCo-occurring conditionsRestricted interests/repetitive behaviorsSex/genderSocial communicationMore Related Videos
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