Gender differences Flashcards
What age group shows fewer gender differences in ASD diagnoses?
Younger age groups, such as toddlers and preschoolers
Studies suggest that fewer differences are seen in early years.
What is the male to female sex ratio in ASD diagnoses for milder presentations?
4-5:1 for milder ASD
This indicates a higher prevalence of diagnosis in males compared to females.
How are females with ASD often misdiagnosed?
Females are under/misdiagnosed, diagnosed later than boys, and need more red flags to be identified
Red flags may include intellectual and behavioral problems.
What types of behaviors are more common in males than females with ASD?
Externalizing behaviors
Males often present with more problematic behaviors that lead to referrals for assessments.
What internalizing behaviors are more prevalent in females with ASD?
Anxiety, depression, and pathological demand avoidance
These behaviors may limit referrals for assessments.
What is the impact of social masking in females with ASD?
It can lead to negative mental health consequences and is described as tiring
Females may feel a greater desire to fit in, leading to more social masking.
Fill in the blank: Females diagnosed with ASD tend to have ______ average IQ than males.
[lower]
This difference can influence the understanding of their symptoms.
What is a significant factor that may lead to the misdiagnosis of females with ASD?
Social motivations and the desire to maintain relationships
Females may present differently due to their social motivations.
What is the estimated frequency of autism in trans identities?
6-11%
This indicates a potentially higher co-occurrence of autism and trans identity.
What are common gastrointestinal disturbances in individuals with ASD?
Chronic constipation, abdominal pain, GERD, chronic diarrhea
Atypical symptoms may include behaviors like chest tapping or face grimacing.
What are barriers to diagnosis for individuals self-diagnosing ASD?
Difficulties verbalizing symptoms, fear of being disbelieved, long wait times
These barriers may prevent individuals from seeking formal assessments.
True or False: Females with ASD show fewer social communication impairments early on.
True
However, they may develop more problems as they grow older.
What is a common characteristic of self-diagnosed individuals compared to formally diagnosed individuals?
They often view ASD as a difference rather than a disability
This perspective can influence their self-understanding and social identity.
Fill in the blank: Individuals with ASD are often delayed in receiving ______ care.
[trans]
They may receive trans care 2.5 years later than neurotypical individuals.
What is a common finding in the immune system of individuals with ASD?
Immune system dysfunction and excessive inflammatory response
This can correlate with the severity of autistic symptoms.
What is the gender ratio in ASD diagnoses among individuals with intellectual disabilities?
2:1 (males to females)
This indicates a smaller gap compared to those with milder forms of ASD.
What may influence the perception of autism in self-diagnosed individuals?
Past negative experiences with healthcare professionals
These experiences can lead to mistrust and fear of misdiagnosis.
How do girls on the spectrum typically differ in their interests compared to boys?
Girls may have less obviously atypical interests
For example, a girl might be interested in horses rather than more technical subjects.
What are the implications of socialization for females with ASD?
They may experience significant pressures to conform to gender norms
This can lead to camouflaging behaviors and identity impacts.
What are some gastrointestinal conditions associated with ASD?
Chronic diarrhea, esophagitis, gastritis, inflammatory bowel, celiac disease, Crohn’s, colitis, food intolerance (nonceliac wheat sensitivity)
These conditions can present atypically in individuals with ASD.
What atypical symptoms may indicate gastrointestinal distress in individuals with ASD?
Chest tapping, face grimacing, gulping, chewing nonedible objects, self-injurious behavior, seeking abdominal pressure
These behaviors may not manifest as typical gastrointestinal distress signs.
What is the prevalence of epilepsy in individuals with ASD?
2-46%; likely around 12%
Prevalence rates vary depending on sampling methods and exclusion/inclusion criteria.
What are risk factors for epilepsy in individuals with intellectual disabilities?
Genetic disorders, female gender, syndromic ASD, regression, family history of epilepsy
These factors can influence the likelihood of developing epilepsy.
What are common features of epilepsy in individuals with ASD?
Age of onset: early childhood or adolescence; no predominant seizure type; higher likelihood of complex partial seizures
Some individuals may have onset in adulthood.
