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Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of Developmental Functioning, Autistic Symptoms, and Coexisting Behavior Problems in Toddlers

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Abstract

Little is known about the female presentation of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during early childhood. We investigated sex differences in developmental profiles using the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, autistic symptoms on the ADOS-G, and coexisting behavior problems on the CBCL in 157 boys and 42 girls with ASD aged 1.5–3.9 years. Overall, boys and girls evidenced a markedly similar pattern of developmental profiles, autism symptoms, and coexisting behavior problems, although subtle differences exist. Boys and girls evidenced a similar pattern of developmental strengths and weaknesses. Girls with ASD evidenced greater communication deficits than boys and boys evidenced more restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped behavior than girls. Girls exhibited more sleep problems and anxious or depressed affect than boys.

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Acknowledgment

This manuscript was prepared with support from the National Institute on Child Health and Human Development (P30 HD03352, T32 HD07489). We would like to extend our thanks to the families who participated in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Waisman Center, Rm 533, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1500 Highland Avenue, Madison, WI, 53705, USA

    Sigan L. Hartley

  2. Child Development and Rehabilitation Center, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA

    Darryn M. Sikora

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  1. Sigan L. Hartley
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  2. Darryn M. Sikora
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Correspondence to Sigan L. Hartley.

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Hartley, S.L., Sikora, D.M. Sex Differences in Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Examination of Developmental Functioning, Autistic Symptoms, and Coexisting Behavior Problems in Toddlers. J Autism Dev Disord 39, 1715–1722 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0810-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-009-0810-8

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