Abstract
We investigated the relationship between autistic-like traits in early childhood and age at menarche in typically developing
girls. Autistic-like symptoms were measured at age 2 years using the Child Behaviour Checklist, and age at menarche (AAM)
was determined prospectively using self-report questionnaires at age 8, 10, 14 and 17 years. Girls with ‘high’ autistic-like
symptoms at age 2 years demonstrated significantly later AAM (n = 70; M = 13.07 years; SD = 1 year) than girls reported to
show ‘typical’ (n = 216; M = 12.72 years; SD = 1.1) or ‘low’ (n = 47; M = 12.66 years; SD = 1.13 years) levels of these behaviors.
These data further establish a link between the autism phenotype and later AAM and may provide insights into the etiology
of the condition.
girls. Autistic-like symptoms were measured at age 2 years using the Child Behaviour Checklist, and age at menarche (AAM)
was determined prospectively using self-report questionnaires at age 8, 10, 14 and 17 years. Girls with ‘high’ autistic-like
symptoms at age 2 years demonstrated significantly later AAM (n = 70; M = 13.07 years; SD = 1 year) than girls reported to
show ‘typical’ (n = 216; M = 12.72 years; SD = 1.1) or ‘low’ (n = 47; M = 12.66 years; SD = 1.13 years) levels of these behaviors.
These data further establish a link between the autism phenotype and later AAM and may provide insights into the etiology
of the condition.
- Content Type Journal Article
- DOI 10.1007/s10803-010-1129-1
- Authors
- Andrew J. O. Whitehouse, Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Centre for Child Health Research, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA Australia
- Murray T. Maybery, Neurocognitive Development Unit, School of Psychology, University of Western Australia, 100 Roberts Road, Subiaco, Perth, WA Australia 6008
- Martha Hickey, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VC Australia
- Deborah M. Sloboda, The Liggins Institute and the National Research Centre for Growth and Development, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- Journal Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
- Online ISSN 1573-3432
- Print ISSN 0162-3257