Sex/Gender Differences and Autism

Setting the Scene for Future Research

Bibliographic Data

ID23372012
AuthorsMeng-Chuan Lai (0000-0002-9593-5508, University of Cambridge, corresponding author), Michael V Lombardo (0000-0001-6780-8619, University of Cyprus), Bonnie Auyeung (0000-0003-1741-0949, University of Cambridge), Bhismadev Chakrabarti (0000-0002-6649-7895, University of Cambridge), Simon Baron‐cohen (0000-0001-9217-2544, National Health Service), Simon Baron-Cohen
Year2015
Volume54
Issue1
Pages11-24
Publication date2015-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 0890-8567 • E-ISSN: 1527-5418
PublisherElsevier BV (PUBLISHER)
DOI10.1016/j.jaac.2014.10.003
PMID25524786
PMCIDPMC4284309
OpenAlexW2069328123
LanguageEN
Citations received62
References cited135

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between sex/gender differences and autism has attracted a variety of research ranging from clinical and neurobiological to etiological, stimulated by the male bias in autism prevalence. Findings are complex and do not always relate to each other in a straightforward manner. Distinct but interlinked questions on the relationship between sex/gender differences and autism remain underaddressed. To better understand the implications from existing research and to help design future studies, we propose a 4-level conceptual framework to clarify the embedded themes. METHOD: We searched PubMed for publications before September 2014 using search terms "'sex OR gender OR females' AND autism." A total of 1,906 articles were screened for relevance, along with publications identified via additional literature reviews, resulting in 329 articles that were reviewed. RESULTS: Level 1, "Nosological and diagnostic challenges," concerns the question, "How should autism be defined and diagnosed in males and females?" Level 2, "Sex/gender-independent and sex/gender-dependent characteristics," addresses the question, "What are the similarities and differences between males and females with autism?" Level 3, "General models of etiology: liability and threshold," asks the question, "How is the liability for developing autism linked to sex/gender?" Level 4, "Specific etiological-developmental mechanisms," focuses on the question, "What etiological-developmental mechanisms of autism are implicated by sex/gender and/or sexual/gender differentiation?" CONCLUSIONS: Using this conceptual framework, findings can be more clearly summarized, and the implications of the links between findings from different levels can become clearer. Based on this 4-level framework, we suggest future research directions, methodology, and specific topics in sex/gender differences and autism.

Autism · Developmental psychology · Etiology · Psychiatry · Autism Spectrum Disorder Research · Behavioral and Psychological Studies · Child Nutrition and Feeding Issues · Clinical Psychology · Psychology

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