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.
What challenges exist in assessing seizures in individuals with ASD?
Differentiating between repetitive behaviors/stereotypies and partial seizures can be difficult
Lack of response to name may not help distinguish between the two.
What percentage of individuals with ASD experience sleep problems?
40-80%
This rate is approximately double that of typically developing children.
What are common sleep issues faced by individuals with ASD?
Onset, maintenance, and duration of sleep
Sleep disorders tend to be more severe in ASD.
What biological factors contribute to sleep problems in individuals with ASD?
Melatonin differences, comorbid psychological disorders
Genetics may also play a role in circadian rhythm disruption.
What hormonal changes can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with ASD?
Abnormalities in progesterone and estrogen levels
Treatment of these abnormalities may reduce behavioral disruptions.
How do genetic syndromes relate to ASD?
Higher chance of ASD with genetic anomalies, often resulting in more severe forms of ASD
Physical features and specific behavioral patterns may be present.
What is the most common non-inherited cause of intellectual disability?
Down syndrome
This condition is now recognized as associated with autism as well.
What is Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)?
A genetic condition caused by changes in the FMR1 gene, associated with intellectual disability and autism
1/3 of individuals with Fragile X have ASD.
What are common behavioral features of Fragile X Syndrome?
ADHD, aggression, autistic-like behaviors, anxiety, social difficulties
These behaviors may not meet full criteria for autism.
What are the cognitive features associated with Fragile X Syndrome?
Intellectual disability, language impairments, attention and executive function problems
Males are often more severely affected than females.
Fill in the blank: The full mutation of FXS causes abnormal _______ of the FMR1 gene.
methylation
What is a potential indicator of Fragile X Syndrome in a child’s history?
Family history of ASD and significant intellectual disabilities
Symptoms like severe social anxiety and self-injurious behaviors may also be present.
What is the typical cognitive presentation in males with Fragile X Syndrome?
Moderate to severe intellectual disability, declining IQ over time
Language impairments are more pronounced in boys than girls.
What are some physical features commonly associated with Fragile X Syndrome?
Large ears, soft flesh, flat feet, prone to ear infections
Other features may include hyperextension injuries and connective tissue differences.
What are some common sleep-related concerns for children with ASD?
Difficulty falling asleep, maintaining sleep, and overall sleep duration
Children with ASD may wake up more frequently during the night.
What is the role of FMRP in the brain?
Helps ribosomes make proteins in response to synaptic signals, important for dendritic growth and synaptic plasticity
Absence of FMRP leads to cognitive and behavioral issues.
