User:Kbischoff99/Sex differences in autism

Lead
Autistic girls and women show higher social motivation and a greater capacity for typical friendships than autistic boys and men, are less likely to be hyperactive, impulsive, have issues with conduct or stereotyped behavioural traits, and have been shown to mask their conditions more frequently than autistic men. '''Autistic males often exhibit more easily observed behaviors at a younger age resulting in parental observance and subsequent evaluation of the child. In contrast, behavior of young females is more often overlooked, regardless of any associated at-risk factors for ASD or other developmental delays. Ultimately, this may contribute to females more frequently receiving their ASD diagnosis later in life relative to their male counterparts.'''

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 * Hypothesis of female under diagnosis

Another clinician, William Mandy, hypothesized referrals for ASD assessment are often started by teachers. Girls with ASD may sometimes lack the skills of social communication and this is not noticed until they are in a school setting. Therefore, girls suggested to have ASD may receive delayed or no clinical assessment. 'Compared with males, females with autism are more likely to mask their restricted interests (strong or intense interests in specific topics or objects),'' which could decrease the chances of diagnosis. '''

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 * Female Phenotype

Some have suggested a differential phenotype for autistic women; "a female-specific manifestation of autistic strengths and difficulties, which fits imperfectly with current, male-based conceptualizations" of autism. Autistic women have been shown to score higher in self reports of § autistic masking, which may factor into the different phenotype. '''One study found evidence for a diagnostic bias against girls who meet criteria for ASD. In some cases where females showed severe autistic traits, they failed to meet the criteria for a diagnosis, because of the lack of sensitivity to the female phenotype.'''

Summary

I provided the corrections that Dr. Rahn suggested. I will not providing edits based on Phrenic490's suggestions because this article is not focusing on gender and sexual orientations in autism, it is strictly on biological sex differences. I took Lucyc2's feedback and added more information on the female phenotype as well as adding more information on why females are more likely to be misdiagnosed.