A Scoping Review of Sex/Gender Differences in Social Communication Skills and Behaviors of Autistic Youth—Are Sex/Gender-Specific Interventions Needed?

Abstract

Despite a known male dominance (4:1) in autism diagnoses, there remains a lack of clarity surrounding sex/gender differences in the social communication skills and behaviors of autistic children/adolescents. While research supports the importance of interventions for social-communication skill development in autistic children/adolescents, a review of the literature in the context of intervention application based on sex/gender differences has not occurred. The aim of this review is to provide a synthesis of available literature investigating sex/gender differences in the social communication skills and social skills of autistic children/adolescents. Results indicate preliminary support for sex/gender differences in social behaviors and social-communication skill and behavior development, which may support adaptations to adolescent social skills interventions. There is no evidence supporting adaptations to early interventions.