Sex differences in autism spectrum disorder: an examination of developmental functioning, autistic symptoms, and coexisting behavior problems in toddlers

SL Hartley, DM Sikora�- Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2009 - Springer
SL Hartley, DM Sikora
Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 2009Springer
Little is known about the female presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during early
childhood. We investigated sex differences in developmental profiles using the Mullen
Scales of Early Learning, autistic symptoms on the ADOS-G, and coexisting behavior
problems on the CBCL in 157 boys and 42 girls with ASD aged 1.5–3.9 years. Overall, boys
and girls evidenced a markedly similar pattern of developmental profiles, autism symptoms,
and coexisting behavior problems, although subtle differences exist. Boys and girls�…
Abstract
Little is known about the female presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during early childhood. We investigated sex differences in developmental profiles using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, autistic symptoms on the ADOS-G, and coexisting behavior problems on the CBCL in 157 boys and 42 girls with ASD aged 1.5–3.9�years. Overall, boys and girls evidenced a markedly similar pattern of developmental profiles, autism symptoms, and coexisting behavior problems, although subtle differences exist. Boys and girls evidenced a similar pattern of developmental strengths and weaknesses. Girls with ASD evidenced greater communication deficits than boys and boys evidenced more restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior than girls. Girls exhibited more sleep problems and anxious or depressed affect than boys.
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