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09-07-2022 | Autism Spectrum Disorder | Brief Report

Behavioral gender differences in school-age children with autism

Authors: Maria Sanchez, Jennifer C. Bullen, Matthew C. Zajic, Nancy McIntyre, Peter Mundy

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 4/2024

Abstract

This study examined differences in internalizing and externalizing behaviors between school-aged boys and girls diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Eighty-nine children between the ages of 8 and 16 years participated in this study: 17 girls (M = 11.5 years, SD = 2.3) and 72 boys (M = 11.3 years, SD = 2.2). Participants were matched on the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition and Full-Scale IQ (FSIQ > 64). The results indicated that, girls had higher reported instances of Bullying, less Anger Control, and poorer Emotional Self-Control than boys on the Behavior Assessment System for Children, Second Edition. Groups did not differ on subscales of the Social Communication Scale. While evidence of increased externalizing behaviors is less common in girls, there is evidence supporting these differing behaviors that warrant further research.

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Title: Behavioral gender differences in school-age children with autism
Authors: Maria Sanchez
Jennifer C. Bullen
Matthew C. Zajic
Nancy McIntyre
Peter Mundy
Publication date: 09-07-2022
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 4/2024
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-022-02036-0

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