Publication year: 2011
Source: Social Science & Medicine, In Press, Accepted Manuscript, Available online 12 July 2011
Keely, Cheslack-Postava , Rebecca M., Jordan-Young
One of the most consistent observations in the epidemiology of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is the preponderance of male cases. A few hypotheses have been put forth which attempt to explain this divergence in terms of sex-linked biology, with limited success. Feminist epidemiologists suggest the importance of investigating specific mechanisms for male-female differences in health outcomes, which may include sex-linked biology and/or gender relations, as well as complex biosocial interactions. Neither domain has been systematically investigated for autism, and the possible role of gender has been particularly neglected. In this article, we posit hypotheses about how social processes based on…
Highlights: ► ASDsshow a consistently elevated ratio of males to females among diagnosed cases. ► Gender socialization and labeling effects may both contribute to this disparity. ► Social developmental environment differs subtly for boys and girls from infancy. ► Differential environmental elements could be protective for some at-risk females. ► Studiesalso suggest diagnosis may be more likely in males given symptoms.