Differences in the Social Experiences of Autistic and Non-Autistic Adolescents by Gender

Adolescence is a time of complex social and emotional development when friendships become of particular importance. Previous research has highlighted differences in the social experience of autistic and non-autistic adolescents, as well as that of autistic girls and boys. However, no study has compared the social experiences of autistic and non-autistic adolescents, including gender differences, in a population-representative sample. Using data from the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS), Sweep 6, we investigated differences between autistic (girls n = 111, boys n = 387) and non-autistic (girls n = 5847, boys = 5697) adolescents (mean age = 13.7 years, range = 13-15) regarding self-reports of: (i) having close friends, (ii) time spent with friends, (iii) social support, (iv) social alienation, (v) happiness with friendships, and (vi) having a romantic partner. Autistic adolescents reported having fewer close friends and spending less time with their friends. Autistic boys felt less socially supported than non-autistic adolescents, while autistic girls felt more socially alienated than all other groups considered in the study. After accounting for hyperactivity and emotional problems, all girls felt more socially alienated than boys. Only autistic boys were unhappier with friendships than non-autistic children. No group differences were found regarding romantic relationships. Some social experiences of adolescents vary greatly by both gender and diagnostic status. Further research should seek to examine the impact of these differences on mental health and well-being.