Tyler C McFayden, Orla Putnam, Rebecca Grzadzinski, Clare Harrop
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引用次数: 4
Abstract
Purpose of review: Females and males are disproportionately diagnosed with autism, a sex difference that has historically represented this neurodevelopmental condition. The current review examines lifespan developmental trajectories of autism based on sex to elucidate behavioral phenotypic differences that may contribute to differential rates of diagnosis.
Recent findings: We review sex differences in diagnostic criteria: social communication and restricted interests/repetitive behaviors (RRBs). Results suggest RRBs are more indicative of a diagnosis in males, whereas social differences are more indicative of a diagnosis in females. Factors contributing to a later diagnosis in females include social strengths (camouflaging) and diagnostic overshadowing.
Summary: Sex differences in diagnostic criteria may contribute to differential rates of identification in males and females. Sex differences are most pronounced when assessing naturalistic social communication instead of reliance on standardized measure. Numerous future directions are identified including increasing samples of sub-threshold autistic females and evaluating longitudinal sex differences.
期刊介绍:
Current Developmental Disorders Reports commissions expert reviews from leading scientists and clinicians in the field of developmental disorders. What makes the journal unique is its focus—coverage of not one but a host of major disorders in the field, ranging from autism, ADHD, and Tourette’s syndrome, to motor disorders such as cerebral palsy and developmental coordination disorder, through to language and reading disorders such as developmental dyslexia. International authorities serve as editorial board members and section editors, and articles from some of the world’s leading researchers will focus on timely and current reviews of the literature in areas spanning the continuum from bench to communities to individuals. Reviews on new scientific discoveries in neurosciences, genetics, and epidemiology, as well as clinical interventions and policy will provide readers with access to new, innovative, and impactful discoveries as they emerge.