Gender Differences and Similarities: Autism Symptomatology and Developmental Functioning in Young Children

Authors

Maya Matheis, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA. maya.matheis@gmail.com.
Johnny L. Matson, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
Esther Hong, Department of Psychology, Louisiana State University, 236 Audubon Hall, Baton Rouge, LA, 70803, USA.
Paige E. Cervantes, Child Study Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hassenfeld Children's Hospital, NYU Langone Health, New York, NY, USA.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

3-1-2019

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests that symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may present differently in males and females. This study examined gender differences in ASD symptoms and developmental functioning, using the Baby and Infant Screen for Children with aUtism Traits, Part 1 (BISCUIT-Part 1) and the Battelle Developmental Inventory, 2nd Edition (BDI-2), amongst children aged 17-37 months meeting ASD diagnostic criteria (n = 1317). No gender differences were found in regards to overall symptom severity or symptom domains on the BISCUIT-Part 1 when gender groups were matched by cognitive ability. Females with ASD had greater motor deficits and less communication impairment compared to their male counterparts as measured by the BDI-2. Secondary analyses examining item endorsement patterns were also conducted. Implications of the findings are discussed.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Journal of autism and developmental disorders

First Page

1219

Last Page

1231

Recommended Citation

Matheis, M., Matson, J. L., Hong, E., & Cervantes, P. E. (2019). Gender Differences and Similarities: Autism Symptomatology and Developmental Functioning in Young Children. Journal of autism and developmental disorders, 49 (3), 1219-1231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-018-3819-z