Psychiatric symptoms in children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder: An examination of gender differences

In addition to the triad of impairments experienced by children and adolescents diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), they often present with symptoms of psychiatric disorders. To date, very few studies have examined gender differences in regards to psychiatric symptoms in children and adolescents diagnosed with an ASD. Thus, the current study compared male and female children and adolescents (n = 129) who were diagnosed with an ASD or who were typically developing psychiatric symptoms. The Autism Spectrum Disorders-Comorbid for Children (ASD-CC) was utilized to assess for symptoms of psychopathology. Males and females diagnosed with an ASD did not significantly differ from each other in total psychiatric symptoms or on any of the specific factors of psychiatric symptoms examined (i.e., tantrum behavior, repetitive behavior, worry/depressed, avoidant behavior, under-eating, conduct, and over-eating). Similarly, males and females who were typically developing did not differ from each other on any factors examined. A discussion including future directions of research is included.

Research highlights▶ Looking at differences between autistic males and females is important. ▶ Comorbid psychopathology is a growing area of study. ▶ While differences in specific disorders such as phobias have been found in previous studies, differences in general psychopathology across gender were not found here.