Abstract
Sex differences have been found amongst toddlers and young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We investigated the
presence and stability of these ASD sex differences throughout childhood and adolescence. Participants (N = 325, 52 females; aged 3–18 years) consecutively received an ASD diagnosis at a clinic for assessing high-functioning ASD
(mean verbal IQ = 92.6). There were no IQ sex differences. By parent report and direct observation, females had less repetitive
stereotyped behaviour (RSB), with male-equivalent levels of social and communication impairment. Teachers reported males with
ASD as having greater externalising and social problems than females. The female phenotype we describe was stable across our
sample’s age range. Their milder RSBs and less severe difficulties at school may lead to under-recognition of ASD in females.
presence and stability of these ASD sex differences throughout childhood and adolescence. Participants (N = 325, 52 females; aged 3–18 years) consecutively received an ASD diagnosis at a clinic for assessing high-functioning ASD
(mean verbal IQ = 92.6). There were no IQ sex differences. By parent report and direct observation, females had less repetitive
stereotyped behaviour (RSB), with male-equivalent levels of social and communication impairment. Teachers reported males with
ASD as having greater externalising and social problems than females. The female phenotype we describe was stable across our
sample’s age range. Their milder RSBs and less severe difficulties at school may lead to under-recognition of ASD in females.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Category Original Paper
- Pages 1-10
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-011-1356-0
- Authors
- William Mandy, Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1N 6BT UK
- Rebecca Chilvers, Institute of Psychiatry, Kings College, London, UK
- Uttom Chowdhury, Bedfordshire CAMHS, South Essex Partnership NHS Trust, Bedford, UK
- Gemma Salter, Institute of Child Health, Behavioural and Brain Sciences Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Anna Seigal, Institute of Child Health, Behavioural and Brain Sciences Unit, University College London, London, UK
- David Skuse, Institute of Child Health, Behavioural and Brain Sciences Unit, University College London, London, UK
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257