Sex differences in Arab children with Autism spectrum disorders

Although autism spectrum disorders (ASD) prevalence is higher in males than females in Arab countries, few studies address sex differences in autistic symptoms and coexiting behavioral problems. A total of 37 boys and 23 girls recruited from three Arab countries (Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan) matched for age and IQ. They were compared using Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). The boys had poor emotional responsiveness and the girls had more cognitive problems. With regard to coexisting psychopathology boys exhibited significantly more delinquent behavior problems. Longitudinal, representative studies are needed to elucidate etiological significance of the observed sex differences.

Research highlights
► Sixty children from three Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan with ASD, compared using Indian Scale for Assessment of Autism (ISAA) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL).
► The boys had poor emotional responsiveness and delinquent problems and the girls had more cognitive problems.