Sex
Are the diagnostic rates of autistic females increasing? An examination of state-wide trends (2024)
Authors: Clare Harrop, Brianne Tomaszewski, Orla Putnam, Claire Klein, Elena Lamarche, Laura Klinger
Summary:
In the past, autism was thought to be a condition more common in males. Recent research, however, suggests that this is not true and might be because females are often not diagnosed or diagnosed with the wrong thing. To explore this idea, researchers looked at autism diagnosis information from North Carolina between 2000 and 2021, focusing on differences in sex and age. They found that throughout the 20-year period, there were more females than males who were diagnosed late, which was defined as being diagnosed at 13 years old or later. They also found that the number of females diagnosed with autism compared to males increased steadily, suggesting that as a community we are learning more about what autism looks like in females. This is important because an earlier diagnosis usually means more access to important services and support.
Sex Differences on the ADOS-2 (2023)
Authors: Hannah M. Rea, Roald A. Øien, Frederick Shic, Sara Jane Webb, Allison B. Ratto
Summary:
In autism spectrum disorder (ASD), there is a difference between how many males and females receive an autism diagnosis. These differences could be because of sex differences on measures used to diagnose autism. This study compared autistic males and females on questions on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). This sample included 8-to-17-year old autistic individuals. These individuals were from research (n = 229) and clinical settings (n = 238). The study found that females were less likely to show atypical patterns in social-communication behaviors and had lower scores overall and on specific items. When adjusting for the overall intensity of symptoms, there were no sex differences. The criteria used to diagnose ASD and standard tests might not be as good at detecting ASD in females, or autistic females may show fewer or less intense behaviors typical of ASD.
Frontal EEG alpha asymmetry in youth with autism: Sex differences and social-emotional correlates (2023)
Authors: Emily Neuhaus, Megha Santhosh, Anna Kresse, Elizabeth Aylward, Raphael Bernier, Susan Bookheimer, Shafali Jeste, Allison Jack, James C. McPartland, Adam Naples, John D. Van Horn, Kevin Pelphrey, Sara Jane Webb
Summary:
A long history of research links asymmetry in electroencephalography (EEG) activity across left and right frontal brain regions with risk for mental health concerns, but very little research has explored these relations among youth with ASD. In a group of children and teens, we found that links between asymmetry, social communication, restricted/repetitive behavior, family history, and youth mental health differed for females versus males with an ASD diagnosis. Findings suggest that mental health risk factors may work differently for autistic females versus autistic males.