Males and Females with ASD: A Gender Comparison between Cognitive and Behavioral Profiles

Background:

Recent research suggest that some of the characteristic traits of the Autism Spectrum Disorder have different expression in males and females (Dworzynski et al., 2012). Accordingly, it has been proposed that the gender prevalence might not be so unbalanced and that girls with ASD are actually under-diagnosed or mis-diagnosed (Gould & Ashton-Smith, 2011). Few studies have investigated the gender differences in people with ASD, but conflicting results have often been reported (Bὄlte et al., 2011; and Kumazaki et al., 2015; Koyama et al., 2009). In general, females with high-functioning ASD can camouflage their autistic characteristics more successfully than males. Furthermore, females perform better in working memory tasks and exhibit lower level of repetitive and respective behavior than males. (Bὄlte et al.,2011; e Kumazaki et al., 2015; Koyama et al., 2009). Besides, males have higher spatial- visual skills than females.

Objectives:

In the present study, we compare the cognitive and behavioral profiles of a group of 29 males and 29 females with ASD for a total of 58 participants. (Chronological age M = 9y, SD = 7y, 5m)

Methods:

Participants were administered with a complete assessment in a clinical center located in the Nord of Italy. The cognitive profile have been assessed with the Griffiths Mental Development Scales (GMDS) or Wechsler Scales, according to participants’ age. The behavioral profiles included the subscales of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-Second Edition (ADOS-2).

Results:

Preliminary analysis on a total of 30 participants (15 males and 15 females) show that females obtained higher score in “Locomotion subscale” of GMDS (t = 1.8581, df = 9.9307, p-value = 0.04651) and in Performance Intelligence Quotients (PIQ) of the Wechsler Scale (t = 3.313, df = 7.5923, p-value = 0.01147).We did not find any significant sex-related difference ADOS total score (i.e. males and females display the same level of social communication impairment). However, results of the Principal Component Analysis applied on some index of ADOS (total score, Social Affect Area and Restricted and Repetitive Behavior) showed lower levels of restricted interests in females. .

Conclusions:

These preliminary results suggest the existence of cognitive and behavioral differences between females and males with ASD. These findings have important implication at a clinical level, as a more advanced understanding of the developmental trajectory in females with ASD would increases the possibility of adopting personalized management and defining treatment approaches specific for females with this disorder.